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The stout style is a direct descendant of
porter. Brewers began brewing a stronger, roastier version of the porter that was called “stout porter”. Stouts
are typically dark brown to pitch black in color. Almost all stouts have roasted malts which give stouts a flavor that
is both roasted and dry. Common flavors include coffee and chocolate.
English Stouts are typically sweeter than the Irish and American versions. They body is a little more smooth
and rounded than the other stouts. Their alcohol content is low and just a little bit higher than the Irish Stouts.
American Stouts are usually black in color with ABVs ranging from
5-11%. These beers have a big hop and roast character to them. Their most common aromas are coffee and cocoa while
the bodies have flavors of coffee, chocolate, and caramel. There is also a big malt profile with a fairly high level
of bitterness.
Irish Irish Stouts are black in color and have
lighter bodies and lower carbonation levels than their English and American counterparts. These beers are very dry and
made with roasted malts and grains that give off flavors of espresso and chocolate and have a big hop bite. The body
is slightly acidic and they usually served on a nitro system that gives the body a light, creamy effect. The alcohol
content is usually less than 5%. The three big producers of the Irish style are Murphy's, Beamish, and Guinness.
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