What Is Stout Beer?

There are hundreds of different kinds of beer in the world, some are so common and ubiquitous that you can find them all over the world.

While others are very regional and niche, only being found in a tiny specific region.

With so much variety, it can be hard to understand the differences between different beers and for a lot of people they don’t even worry about it, for them a bitter is just a darker pale ale. 

Yet, this is a problem, as the differences between beers is not just skin deep. The ingredients, the flavor, the manufacturing process, everything is different and unique.

So, with that in mind, what is a stout beer? It is a popular type of beer and in some countries, it is the beer to have, but what is it? And what makes it unique compared to other beers? 

In this article, we will take a closer look at stout beer and inform you exactly what it is. 

The Definition Of Stout

First things first, let’s start with the basics. What do we mean when we say “stout” or “stout beer”?

A stout is a strong, dark-colored beer made from malted barley grains, hops, and yeast.

When brewing stout beer, brewers must use a large amount of malt extract, which gives the beer a sweet taste.

In addition to the malt extract, they also add roasted barley, which imparts a rich flavor.

In comparison to lighter beers such as lagers, stouts tend to be sweeter and heavier than their light counterparts.

This is because they contain more malt extract and less water than most other types of beer. As a result, these beers become thicker, fuller bodied, and more viscous.

Although many beers fall under the category of stout, there are several styles of stout beer.

For example, Irish stout (or dry stout) is an extremely thick and robust style of stout with a high alcohol content.

Other examples include American porter, English porters, Scottish single pot stills, German alt biers, and Belgian tripels. 

So now that we know what stout is, what does it taste like? Well, a stout has a malty aroma, full body, low bitterness, and a slightly fruity finish.

These characteristics come together to create a beer that is distinctively flavorful, yet balanced by its strength.

On top of that, stouts typically have a higher alcohol content than other types of beer. You should expect a 6% ABV or above beer.

However, if you prefer your stout lower in alcohol, consider trying a 4% ABV stout instead.

Common Misconceptions About Stout Beer

Now that we’ve covered what stout beer is, let’s talk about some commonly held beliefs regarding this particular kind of beer.

Many people think that stout is a heavy drink, but it’s actually quite light due to how much malt extract is used in creating it.

Therefore, you won’t feel any weight after drinking one of these beers. Also, the color doesn’t indicate that it is going to be too sweet either.

In fact, stouts are often described as having a dry, bitter, or roasty flavor, so don’t worry about the sugar. 

Lastly, people typically think that stout will automatically make people sweat. This is not the case.

The reason people believe this is that stout is quite a heavy drink, but realistically it is the alcohol that makes people sweat while drinking.

So, you are far more likely to sweat with a drink with much higher alcohol, like whiskey or vodka, compared to stout.

Why Is Stout Considered A Good Beer?

If you’re looking for a good beer to enjoy during the summer months, then you might want to try a stout.

Why? Because stouts are generally well-balanced beers that are easy to drink and offer a refreshing alternative to your typical beer choices.

They also offer a variety of flavors that range from chocolatey, coffee-like notes to citrusy, nutty aromas.

In addition, since they are typically brewed with a lot of malt extract and no water, they are incredibly smooth and creamy.

Finally, they typically have a very low hop level, making them perfect for people who don’t like overly hoppy beers.

Stouts aren’t just great for enjoying the outdoors, though. At home, you can also brew up a batch of delicious stout at home using a simple kit.

Once you get the hang of brewing stout yourself, you’ll never go back to buying cans again.

Instead, you can make sure that every pint tastes exactly the way it did the last time you drank it. In addition, you’ll save money and support local breweries!

A History Of Stout

In the early 19th century, British brewers were experimenting with a new type of beer called porter.

Porter was a brown ale, and it had become popular among the working class of London.

However, those workers enjoying porters became dissatisfied with their current beer options and wanted something better.

Therefore, they began experimenting with the idea of adding extra hops to their beer to produce a darker, stronger version of their original beverage.

Eventually, this led to the creation of what would eventually become known as stout beer.

However, before the term “stout” came into use, the beer was simply referred to as “porter”.

It wasn’t until 1815 that the name “stout” was first used when Thomas Dawson wrote a book titled “The Beer Brewer’s Guide”, which included an entry on porter.

After this point, the term “stout beer” was adopted by many English brewers.

It wasn’t long before people began adopting the porter style of beer throughout Europe and America as well.

Today, there are over 200 different types of stout available, with most of them originating in England.

Today, stout has become a favorite beverage among millions of people around the world. There are even several breweries dedicated solely to producing this type of beer.

Also, if you ever find yourself in Ireland, you should definitely stop by Dublin Castle Brewery. Their Guinness is widely regarded as being one of the best stouts out there.

Conclusion

Stout is a rich, dark, nutty, and generally beloved beer of the public and beyond. In a lot of places, it has remained the beer of choice and honestly, why not?

There is simply nothing better than a rich, malty beer on a cold northern night, a feeling that no other beer comes close to. 

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Andrew Carr

Hi, I’m Andrew Carr and I find beer fascinating. Not just drinking it (although that is a plus!) but everything about it. There is so much to learn - the fermenting process, the best glasses for each type, recipes to make at home… The list goes on!

I have been making my own beer for almost a decade now and I pride myself on my home setup. I’ve made sours, pale IPAs, stouts - you name it, I’ve probably made it in the comfort of my own home.

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