If you’re someone who loves trying new things, then stout beer should be next on your list. This dark-hued and richly-flavored drink is a standard menu item all across the globe.
What Is Stout Beer?
Since its inception in eighteenth-century Ireland and England, stout beer has come to be known for its dark color and hearty flavor. Nowadays, stouts include a wide range of subcategories and flavors, making them one of the most popular types of beers on the market.
One of the reasons that stout beer is so popular is its versatility. While most stouts have a dark and rich flavor profile, some are lighter and less bitter, making them easy to drink and enjoy. And because the category is so extensive, there are many different styles and brewing methods to choose from, which allows you to find a stout that suits your individual taste preferences.
History of Stout Beer
The term ‘stout’ was first used in 1677 to describe a strong beer, as seen in a manuscript now kept in the British Museum. However, it wasn’t until the eighteenth century that stout beer was developed and began to catch on with the public.
At this point in the eighteenth century, dark beers called porters were gaining immense popularity. Brewers decided to experiment by brewing porters of different strengths. The strongest ones, which contained around 7 or 8 percent alcohol by volume, became known as stout porters.
As time went on, stout porters were given their own category as public preferences shifted and new brewing methods emerged.
Although the term “stout” is now commonly used, the term “stout porter” was still used for a time to describe this type of dark and hearty beer.
For example, Guinness stout – one of the most recognizable stout brands – was originally marketed as “Extra Superior Porter.”
Popular in many parts of the Caribbean and Africa, it’s now known as Guinness Foreign Extra Stout. The drink most Americans now refer to as Original or Extra Stout was once called Extra Superior Porter in the early 1800s. The brewery moved to London in 1909 and then Stout Porter disappeared from the label altogether in 1929. The word ‘Stout’ was added back on the label in 1943.
Today, stout beer has become a beloved beverage around the world through its dark color, rich flavor, and wide range of subcategories.
What Does Stout Taste Like?
At its core, stout is simply a type of beer with a rich and dark flavor. However, the exact flavor profile can vary greatly based on the style or subcategory.
Some common characteristics of stout beer include:
- Dark color, ranging from deep brown to black
- Smooth and creamy texture, due to high levels of nitrogen or carbon dioxide in the drink
- Rich, roasted flavor with notes of chocolate, coffee, and caramel
- Depending on the subcategory, some stouts may also have a slightly hoppy or bitter taste.
While stout may be best known for its dark color and rich flavor, it also has other unique qualities that make it a popular choice among beer lovers. In terms of bitterness, stout is generally on the lower end of the spectrum, although there are some styles of stout that are slightly more bitter.
Keep in mind that there are various stout flavors, so the flavor profile will vary depending on the specific style.
Stouts are widely considered to be the perfect drink for any situation – they’re unique, velvety smooth, and easy to drink.
For example, Irish stout is characterized by its creamy texture and rich flavor. Guinness, one of the most popular Irish stouts, is known for its smoothness and slightly sweet taste.
On the other hand, American stout tends to be more bitter and hoppy than its Irish counterpart. One of the most popular American stouts is Rogue’s Chocolate Stout, which as you might guess from the name has strong chocolate notes.
10 Different Types of Stout Beer
Over the past few years, stouts have developed a following among both beer lovers and craft brewers. Today, there are many different styles of stout beer to choose from, including:
- Milk or Sweet Stout – Milk stouts are brewed with lactose, which gives them a rich and creamy texture. While these stouts tend to be quite sweet, they also have a roasted flavor. Some notable examples of milk stouts include Left Hand Milk Stout and Imperial Russian Stout.
- Oatmeal Stout – Oatmeal gives these beers a smooth and rich texture. They often have a very roasty flavor, with notes of chocolate or coffee. Some common examples of oatmeal stouts include Samuel Smith’s Oatmeal Stout and Young’s Double Chocolate Stout.
- Russian Imperial Stout – These dark beers are typically high in alcohol content (typically over 7 percent) and have strong flavors of roasted malt, chocolate, and coffee. These complex stouts were originally intended to be served during the winter season, but they have since become popular year-round.
- Dry Stout – Dry stouts are known for their crisp and bitter flavor profile, which is a result of the roasted malt used in their brewing process. Although dry stouts can vary in flavor, they all have a characteristically dry finish. Some popular examples include Guinness Draught and Murphy’s Irish Stout.
- American Stout – American stouts are darker and hoppier than traditional stout beers. These complex brews can feature flavors of chocolate, coffee, caramel, or toffee. Some notable examples include Deschutes Obsidian Stout and Bell’s Kalamazoo Stout.
- Oyster Stout – This unusual variety of stout is brewed with oysters in the mash, which helps give the beer a briny flavor. While this particular style originated in England, it has since become popular among brewers around the world. Some notable oyster stouts include Young’s Ramrod, Coopers’ Best Extra Stout, and Belhaven St. Andrew’s.
- Chocolate Stout – As the name suggests, chocolate stouts are brewed with cocoa or chocolate malt to create a richly chocolaty flavor. Most of these beers also have hints of coffee or vanilla, making them an indulgent treat for stout lovers. Some popular examples of chocolate stouts include Young’s Double Chocolate Stout and Rogue Chocolate Stout.
- Coffee Stout – As the name suggests, coffee stouts are brewed with a shot or two of strong coffee. In addition to adding a rich aroma, the coffee also contributes a bold flavor that pairs nicely with the roasty notes of these beers. Some favorites include Founders Breakfast Stout and Evil Twin Imperial Biscotti Break.
- Cask-Conditioned Stout – Cask-conditioned stouts are brewed to be served from a cask, which allows them to undergo secondary fermentation as they age. These traditional beers have a smooth and creamy flavor that sets them apart from other stouts. Examples of cask-conditioned stouts include Wells Imperial Extra Double Stout and Fourpure Oatmeal Stout.
- Breakfast Stout – This unique style of stout is brewed with coffee, chocolate, and even oatmeal to create a bold and roasty beer that’s perfect for enjoying in the morning. Examples include Founders Breakfast Stout and Great Divide Yeti Imperial Stout.
Whether you prefer sweet milk stouts, complex dry stouts, or just looking to try something new, there’s sure to be a style that appeals to your taste buds.
Stout vs. Beer: How is stout different from beer?
The difference between stout and beer comes down to two things: the ingredients used in brewing, and the brewing process itself.
Let’s start with the ingredients.
Stouts are made with malt that has been roasted for a longer period of time than malt used in brewing beer. This gives the stout its characteristic dark color. Stouts also usually have fewer hops than beer, which makes them less bitter. Stouts are also typically made with yeast that ferments at a higher temperature, which can give the finished product a slight alcohol warmth.
The Brewing Process
The main difference between beer and stout has to do with the brewing process. To make beer, malt is steeped in warm water until it germinates, then it is dried and ground. This is then combined with hops and yeast, and the mixture is fermented for around two weeks.
To make stout, however, the malt is roasted before it is combined with hops and yeast. This roasting process gives stout its distinct dark color and richer flavor. The roasted malt also has a higher concentration of complex carbohydrates, which leads to a higher alcohol content for stout.
Is Stout the same as Guinness?
Guinness is a classic Irish stout that has been around for centuries and is beloved by beer drinkers all over the globe. As listed above though, Guinness is not the only stout out there – in fact, there are many different types of stout, each with its own unique flavor and characteristics.
So, what’s the difference between Guinness and other stouts?
Guinness vs. Other Stouts
While all stouts share certain common characteristics – dark color, rich flavor, high alcohol content–there are also many differences between different types of stout. For example, some stouts are brewed with chocolate or coffee for an added flavor kick, while others are aged in oak barrels for a smooth finish. When it comes to taste, it really varies depending on your personal preference.
If you’re looking for a classic stout with a traditional flavor profile, then Guinness is probably your best bet. However, if you want to try something new or experiment with different flavors, then there are plenty of other great stouts out there for you to choose from. Who knows – you might just find your new favorite drink!
