How to Brew the Best Stout For Non Stout Drinkers

As a confessed stout lover this has never really been much of an issue for me, Irish, Russian Imperial, Oyster, Milk the list goes on. In a world of NEIPA’s, Hazy IPA’s and the new emerging Brut IPA crazes, the darker beer such as Stouts and Porters are left in the shadows.

While Stout has the perception of being rich with a heavy mouthfeel, this is not a blanket description of the style. And with the popularity of the Black IPA this common myth has been blown out of the water. There's a great article from Stan Hieronymus about this in www.imbibemagazine.com from 2009. So if you’re looking to transgress into the world of darker beer for the first time or just looking for the perfect stout to buy or brew. You’ve come to the right place.

While Stout has the perception of being rich with a heavy mouthfeel, this is not a blanket description of the style.

For those that prefer their beer with a more sweetened profile, its hard to go past a Dessert or Pastry Stout. A variety of malts is standard for these types of stouts, mainly roasted and chocolate. To sweeten and improve the mouthfeel of your stout, lactose and maltodextrin are the two primary adjuncts that can be utilised. Lactose will make things sweeter and offer you a larger, smoother mouthfeel.

To improve the mouthfeel and body, maltodextrin can be applied. It is also employed to assist in enhancing head retention. You might want to use some of these adjuncts if you’re brewing a dessert stout with an ABV that is on the lower end of the spectrum. On a commercial front one of my personal favourite dessert stouts is Youngs Double Chocolate stout, basically a dark chocolate cake in a can! For those of us in the middle of winter, like myself, theres nothing quite like a traditional dark oatmeal stout.

On a commercial front one of my personal favourite dessert stouts is Youngs Double Chocolate stout, basically a dark chocolate cake in a can!

The lack of noticeable oatmeal flavour in oatmeal stout surprises a lot of beer drinkers. Instead, because of its high protein, lipid, and gum content, oats gives the beer a rich, creamy, smooth flavour. These variants of stout beer are typically brewed using British or American pale malt, and of course oats which comprises roughly 10% of the final grain bill.

Typical oatmeal stout recipes comprise of the traditional English bittering hops, Fuggles, East Kent Golding, etc. It is uncommon to add finishing or dry hops to oatmeal stout because hop flavour and aroma are not a distinguishing factor. Instead, use an adequate amount of boil hops to appropriately balance the beer.

I don’t know about you but when I think of Irish Stout, I automatically think Guinness. Not all that hard to believe when you think how long the St. James Gate Brewery has been in business. Although Guinness is the most popular Irish Stout in terms of consumption, when it comes to overall popularity, it bearly gets a mention.

I don’t know about you but when I think of Irish Stout, I automatically think Guinness.

With Bell’s Kalamazoo Stout from Michigan claiming the #1 spot. If however you are a die-hard Guinness lover but looking to broaden your horizons, check out the 2021 Irish Post article by Jack Beresford who explore 5 iconic alternatives.

We now explore the Russian Imperial Stout-styled beers, Imperial stout is a robust dark beer in the style that was created in the 18th century by Thrale’s Anchor Brewery in London for export to the court of Catherine II of Russia. It is also referred to as “Russian Imperial stout.”

Imperial stout is a robust dark beer in the style that was created in the 18th century by Thrale’s Anchor Brewery in London for export to the court of Catherine II of Russia.

Typically higher in alcohol than other stout varieties, Russian Imperial Stout has a flavour profile that may take some getting used to. With very strong flavouring, it is a robust, dark ale. It has a pronounced alcohol presence and is roasted, fruity, and bittersweet. The flavours of dark fruit combine with roasted, burnt, or nearly tar-like tastes. similar to a black barleywine with all of the flavours present. Some of the more popular commercial Russian Imperial Stout available are:

Surly Brewing Co — Darkness2016, which comprises of chocolate, cheery and coffee notes.

Stone Brewery — Imperial Russian Stout, with a jet black pour and rich roasted malt malted aroma with dark chocolate, liqourice and molasses notes.

Moa Brewing Co — Imperial Stout, a local favourite with a strong, rich flavour profile.

Keen to find out more about how to brew your own beer or wine at home? Check out our brand spanking new website www.twistedknotbrewing.com and grab your FREE copy of ‘Making Beer at Home’ when you subscribe. We’d love to see you there!