Stout is a type of dark beer that is generally warm-fermented. It is typically thicker than traditional ale due to the use of malt and smoked barley in its brewing process. Stouts are often compared to flavours like coffee and chocolate. The first known use of the word stout for beer is in a document dated 1677, referring to its strength. Stouts first appeared in the 1700s and are now widely available in over 120 countries.
What You'll Learn
Stout is a type of dark beer
Stout looks different from a traditional ale, too. Unlike the clear, crisp look of real pale ale, a stout is textured and opaque, with a dark brown colour and a large frothy head.
The word 'stout' means brave or strong, and the malty dark brew took this name due to its bold dark taste. As its popularity grew, so did its brewing strengths, and the beer became available in varying ABVs. Its popularity continued through the years and it was still a leading favourite even after the First World War.
While not as popular as it once was, stout is still readily available worldwide, and its brewing process is a tourist attraction in cities such as London and Ireland. Stout has grown to include several flavour types and strengths.
The first and likely the most well-known stout is dry or Irish stout. This is a very dark drink with a roasted flavour and notes of coffee. With a smooth texture and a deeper flavour, this is a sure choice for those who like a bold drink.
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Stout is warm-fermented
Stout is a type of dark beer that is generally warm-fermented. This includes dry stout, oatmeal stout, milk stout, and imperial stout.
Warm-fermented stouts are typically fermented with ale yeast at ale temperatures. This means that the fermentation process for stouts usually takes place within a temperature range of 64-68°F (17.8-20°C). This is in contrast to lagers, which are fermented at lower temperatures, typically in the range of 50°F (10°C).
The fermentation temperature range for stouts is similar to that of other ales. During the fermentation process, yeast consumes sugars in the wort and converts them into alcohol. This process is crucial in determining the flavour profile and characteristics of the final beer.
Warm fermentation, also known as top fermentation, is typically done at temperatures between 15°C and 25°C. This temperature range allows the yeast to produce a range of flavour compounds, resulting in a more complex flavour profile. Warm fermentation also promotes the activity of yeast, which can result in a faster fermentation process.
Stouts, with their warm fermentation process, often develop robust and complex flavours. The warm fermentation temperature allows for the development of flavours that are often described as fruity, spicy, or estery. These flavours come from the yeast activity and the chemical reactions that occur during fermentation.
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Stouts are thicker than traditional ales
Stout is a type of dark beer that is generally warm-fermented. It first appeared in the 1700s and is now widely available in over 120 countries. Stout is a part of the ale family and is usually a very dark beer.
Stout looks different from a traditional ale. Unlike the clear, crisp look of real pale ale, a stout is textured and opaque with a dark brown colour and a large frothy head.
Stout has a rich and well-established history. Originally called Porter, the beer became popular in the 1700s as it was cheap, lasted longer than other beers, and stood strong against changing temperatures and heat. As popularity grew, so did the brewing strengths, and the beer became available in varying ABVs. Its popularity continued through the years and was still a leading favourite even after the First World War.
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Stouts are darker than traditional ales
Stouts look different from traditional ales. Unlike the clear, crisp look of real pale ale, stouts are textured and opaque with a dark brown colour and a large frothy head.
Stouts were originally called Porters and became popular in the 1700s due to their cheap price, long shelf life, and robustness in varying temperatures. The word 'stout' means brave or strong, reflecting the bold dark taste of the beer.
Over time, the popularity of stouts grew, and so did the brewing strengths, resulting in different ABV levels. While stouts are not as popular as they once were, they are still readily available worldwide, and their brewing process has become a tourist attraction in cities like London and Ireland.
There are several types of stouts, including dry or Irish stouts, milk stouts, oyster stouts, oat stouts, chocolate stouts, and Imperial stouts. Each of these variations offers unique flavour profiles and characteristics, catering to different taste preferences.
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Stouts are stronger than porters
The word "stout" was first used to refer to beer in a 1677 document, where it described the strength of the beverage. The term "stout porter" was used to refer to stronger versions of porter in the 18th century. At the time, the recipes for porter and stout were identical, with the only difference being that less water was added to stouts to make them stronger.
In the 19th century, stout and porter recipes began to diverge, with brewers adding more brown malt to stouts to make them sweeter than porters. Stouts also began to be brewed in a variety of strengths, including single, double, imperial, and Russian export. Eventually, stout grew in popularity to such an extent that it overshadowed porter.
Today, stouts tend to be a bit bigger in both body and ABV than porters. They also tend to have a higher mouthfeel and a more aggressive personality. Stouts can be bigger, bolder, and a bit brasher with flavors, ranging from dry to very sweet.
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Frequently asked questions
Stout is a type of dark beer, typically thicker than traditional ale due to the use of malt and smoked barley in its brewing process.
Stout has a strong taste, often compared to flavours like coffee and chocolate. However, a strong taste doesn't mean a bitter taste.
Dark beers are known for their roasted barley flavour.
Stouts first appeared in the 1700s. Originally called Porter, the beer became popular as it was cheap, lasted longer than other beers, and stood strong against changing temperatures and heat.