Stout beer: what you need to know, types, how to drink
The distinctive features of stout are a pronounced burnt aroma and dark color, this taste is achieved due to the special roasting of malt. The drink was first produced in Ireland.
What you need to know about stout
Etymology of the name
The term "stout" (from English. - "in 1820 was given to one of the porters produced at the famous brewery - "stout" Arthur Guinness.
Thus, the legendary manufacturer wanted to emphasize the special character of the new drink.
How many degrees in stout
The average strength is in the range of 5-6%, in some types it can reach 8-12%.
How to ferment
Stout is one of the ale beers, for its production top fermentation is used. The process takes place at a temperature of +22 to +24 °C.
To activate the process, special yeasts are needed, which, rising to the surface of the wort, ensure its rapid fermentation. The entire technological cycle takes no more than 1 month. In addition to quick results, top-down fermentation differs from bottom-down fermentation in the increased formation of esters and aromatic compounds.
The drink produced in this way has a brighter taste and smell. The disadvantage of this method is the short shelf life of the product.
It has fewer calories than regular beer
Thick and frothy, with an alcohol content of up to 12%, it is clear why many consider it a high-calorie beer.
But, the truth is, a glass of stout can contain up to 50 calories less than other types of beer
Stout has antioxidants that are not found in other ales
The research was conducted by scientists from the University of Wisconsin in the USA.
It turns out that the high-temperature firing process required to produce dark malt also contributes to the formation of antioxidants.
Stout is ideal for charcoal-grilled meat
Imagine grilling, steak and a glass of cool stout. For Shake it up, this is the best combination!
Another good reason to drink stout
It is that flavonoids dark beer can reduce the risk of blood clotting.
Types of stout beer
Dry or Irish stout (Dry or Irish)
The same Irish drink by which is meant a very dark draft ale produced in barrels.
Its strength is about 4-5%, and the taste is distinctly characterized by coffee and grain notes, hints of roasted barley and cocoa.
Famous brands: Guinness, Beamish, Murphy’s, O’Hara’s Celtic Stout.
Cream Stout
English version of the drink. The recipe contains milk sugar, which gave the name to this category of beer, and heavily roasted malt.
This stout is a little stronger than its Irish counterpart: the alcohol content is 4.5-6%.
Famous producers: Watney, Farsons, Mackeson.
Oatmeal stout
This version is made with oats instead of lactose.
Soft texture and light nutty and earthy flavor.
Famous brands: Samuel Smith, Goose Island, Maclay.
Foreign or tropical stout (Foreign-style)
Includes any variant of dark strong ale made outside of Britain and Ireland.
The taste, composition, and strength can be different.
Main brands: Lion Staut, ABC Staut, Jamaica Stout, Dragon Staut, Birzieciu Stout, Sierra Nevada, Three Floyds Black Sun, etc.
Russian or imperial stout (Russian Imperial)
The drink is not of Russian origin, as you might think, but of British origin.
The first variant of this beer was produced in 1760.
The drink got its name for its popularity at the Russian imperial court.
Due to its high strength (8-12%), the drink was well tolerated by sea and was regularly supplied to the table of Russian monarchs.
According to legend, Catherine the Great was especially fond of this strong copper-brown English ale with a fruit flavor.
The modern drink of this category first matures in barrels, and then is stored in bottles for another year.
Famous brands: Samuel Smith, Rogue, Courage, Victory Storm Storm King.
Today, the "imperial" stout has many versions: Baltic, American, and English.
Chocolate and coffee stout (Chocolate and Coffee)
These beverages are made from the darkest and strongest roasted malt.
Sometimes a little real chocolate or ground coffee is added to the recipe to emphasize the characteristic notes.
Popular brands: Young’s Double Chocolate Stout, Brooklyn Black Chocolate Stout, Rogue Ales’ Chocolate" Stout, Guatemalan Coffee Stout.
Milk Stout
A completely different taste compared to the classic Irishman. The composition contains lactose, which helps to balance bitterness and give a velvety sweetness. The taste is similar to sweet espresso. Brands: Jet Black Heart Heart Brewdog and Havrestout Nogne O.
Oyster stout
Initially, the name appeared because oysters are the best appetizer for stout (in 18th century England it was a food of the poor), but now some producers actually make beer with a small addition of oysters.
How to drink stout
Dark ales are recommended to be drunk as a dessert. It is not necessary to serve snacks with stouts, but you can combine them with seafood, hard cheeses, and meat dishes.
Oysters are a classic pairing for a strong drink: some producers even include them in their stouts.
The original addition is sweet desserts: ice cream, buns, chocolate puddings.
In Britain, porters and stouts are drunk in pints: one pint contains about half a liter of drink.
Update: 19.06.2019
Category: Beer, Cider, Ale