Stout Vs Draught Beer: What's The Difference?

There are several differences between stout and draught beer. Stout is a type of beer that originated in Dublin, Ireland, in 1759. It is a full-bodied, dry stout with hints of coffee and dark chocolate, owing to its roasted barley content. The tangy flavour is a result of nitrogen gas being used during carbonation, which also gives it a creamy texture. Draught beer, on the other hand, is served straight from a cask or keg and typically has a sharper taste than stouts due to the use of carbon dioxide for carbonation. It also contains fewer hops, resulting in less bitterness, and is usually served cold.

Stout and draught are two types of beer

Stout, specifically the popular Guinness Stout, originated in Dublin, Ireland, in 1759. It is a dry stout with a unique "tangy" flavour and a creamy texture achieved through the use of nitrogen gas during carbonation. The beer is typically served at room temperature or slightly below, and has an ABV (alcohol by volume) of around 4.2%. The distinct flavour of Guinness Stout comes from the roasted barley used in its production, giving it its characteristic dark colour and taste.

On the other hand, draught beer, including Guinness Draught, is a lighter alternative to traditional stouts. First brewed in 1959, it differs from stouts like Guinness Stout in its carbonation process, using carbon dioxide instead of nitrogen gas. This gives draught beer a sharper taste and a more bitter flavour profile due to its lower hop levels. Draught beer typically has a lower ABV, with Guinness Draught having an ABV of 4%. It is usually served cold.

The main distinction between stout and draught lies in their carbonation processes, flavour profiles, and alcohol content. Stout, with its use of nitrogen gas, tends to have a creamier texture, while draught beer is valued for its sharp, bitter taste. Additionally, stout is known for its fuller body and more complex flavours, whereas draught beer is often preferred for its refreshing, easy-drinking qualities.

While Guinness is a well-known example of both stout and draught beer, it's important to note that the terms "stout" and "draught" can be used more broadly to describe other beers with similar characteristics. Ultimately, the world of beer offers a wide range of options, and understanding the differences between these types can enhance the drinking experience and help individuals make informed choices based on their preferences.

Draught beer is served straight from a cask or keg

In the mid-20th century, Guinness sought to streamline this process by creating a way of serving beer that mimicked the smooth, low carbonation of real ale. They did this by using a nitrogen and carbon dioxide blend. This blend is also used in canned or bottled draught beer, which is why it tastes the same as draught beer served straight from a cask or keg.

The nitrogen bubbles are smaller and don't rise as quickly as carbon dioxide bubbles, so the beer stays creamy-looking for longer. This is why draught beer is often described as having a "pillowy texture" and a "creamy head".

Stouts are full-bodied with hints of coffee and dark chocolate

Stouts are known for their full-bodied flavour, with hints of coffee and dark chocolate. This is due to the roasting process, which creates similar compounds in the malt as in coffee or cacao. The roasting process also gives the stout its jet-black body and tight, creamy head.

The chocolate flavour in stouts comes from kilning the malt at high temperatures, and sometimes cocoa is added during the brewing process to enhance this. Coffee is also often added to stouts to complement the roastiness of the malts, with brewers employing various methods to infuse their stouts with coffee. For example, some brewers age their coffee stouts directly on roasted coffee beans, while others steep grounds to make a "cold toddy", or simply add cold-brew coffee to the finished beer.

Stouts are also characterised by their balanced bitterness, which comes not only from hops but also from the inclusion of roasted un-malted barley. They tend to have aromas of ground coffee and dark fruits (such as plum, prune, or black currant), with hints of spice, wood, or earth. In addition to chocolate and coffee flavours, stouts can also have hints of roasted malt, toast, caramel, light nuttiness, or char.

Overall, stouts are full-bodied, creamy, smooth, rich, and satisfying.

Draught beer uses carbon dioxide for carbonation, stouts use nitrogen gas

Draught beer and stouts differ in their carbonation processes, with draught beer using carbon dioxide and stouts using nitrogen gas.

Draught beer, typically served cold, is carbonated with carbon dioxide, resulting in a sharper taste compared to traditional stouts. This type of beer is often associated with a lighter alternative to classic stouts, such as Guinness Stout. The use of carbon dioxide contributes to a more pronounced carbonation and a distinct, crisp flavour profile.

On the other hand, stouts, like Guinness Stout, employ nitrogen gas during carbonation, imparting a "tangy" flavour and a creamy texture when poured. The smaller nitrogen bubbles create a smooth, low-carbonation mouthfeel that is characteristic of stouts. This type of beer is usually served at room temperature or slightly below.

The choice of gas for carbonation significantly influences the taste, texture, and overall character of the beer. Draught beer's use of carbon dioxide results in a sharper, more carbonated beverage, while stouts, carbonated with nitrogen gas, offer a smoother, creamier, and slightly tangy drinking experience.

Additionally, the difference in carbonation methods affects the appearance of the beer. The use of nitrogen gas in stouts creates a creamy head with micro bubbles that persist, contributing to the visual appeal of the beverage.

In summary, the distinct characteristics of draught beer and stouts are largely influenced by their choice of gas for carbonation, with draught beer opting for carbon dioxide and stouts favouring nitrogen gas, resulting in unique flavour profiles, textures, and visual presentations.

Guinness Extra Stout is based on a recipe from 1821

Draught beer is a beer served straight from a cask or keg. When canned or bottled, it means the developers want you to know it will taste the same as a freshly draughted beer. Stout is a type of beer that is heavier in alcohol than a porter. Historically, there was no difference between porter and stout—they were different ways of talking about the strength of a porter. A stronger porter would be called a stout.

Guinness Extra Stout is the Irish original that is an icon around the world, especially in West Indian, West African, and Caribbean communities. It has a rich history and robust flavours to match, adding something extra to celebrations both big and small. It is enjoyed ice-cold in a pint glass or as a "secret" ingredient in cooking.

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