Stout

What is a stout?

A stout is a typically dark beer in which roasted malt or roasted grains play an important role. These give the beer its deep color and characteristic flavors, which can be reminiscent of coffee, cocoa, and dark chocolate.

There is plenty of variety within stouts. Some beers are dry and relatively low in alcohol, while others are full-bodied, powerful, and rich. The name stout therefore tells you something about the beer family, but not exactly what to expect in your glass.

What does a stout taste like?

Roasted flavors often form the foundation. Think of coffee, dark chocolate, toast, or a lightly charred accent. The malt can also add notes of caramel and biscuit. Hop bitterness and roasted bitterness can complement one another.

Not every stout actually contains coffee or chocolate. Similar flavors can come from the malt itself. Brewers can also add these ingredients, just as they might add vanilla or coconut. Therefore, look at the beer description to discover where the character comes from.

What types of stout are there?

Dry stout typically has a dry finish, recognizable roasted flavors, and a relatively modest alcohol percentage. Oatmeal stout is brewed with oats, which can contribute to a softer mouthfeel.

Milk stout contains lactose, which can provide extra sweetness and body. Imperial stout is generally higher in alcohol and more intense in flavor. For pastry stout, brewers often find inspiration in desserts, with a full character and ingredients such as cocoa, vanilla, or other flavorings.

These designations can overlap. An imperial stout, for example, can also be brewed with oats, lactose, or added ingredients.

Is stout always heavy or sweet?

A dark color does not automatically mean that a beer is heavy. A stout can be relatively low in alcohol and have a dry finish. Other variants have a full body, more sweetness, and a warming alcoholic character.

If you are looking for something accessible, look for a stout with a lower alcohol percentage and a drier taste. If you enjoy rich, intense beers, then an imperial stout or pastry stout might be a good direction.

What is the difference between stout and porter?

Stout and porterare closely related beer styles. Stout often places more emphasis on roasted flavors and coffee-like bitterness. Portercan come across as somewhat softer, with bready, caramelly, and chocolatey notes.

The line is not sharp and varies by brewer. A portercan be robust and roasted, while a stout can taste smooth and soft. Therefore, compare the beer descriptions as well.

Buy stout at De Biersalon

Stout is one of our specialties. At De Biersalon, you will discover stouts from breweries in the Netherlands, the rest of Europe, and beyond. From classic interpretations to new releases and distinctive beers with unique ingredients.

Curious about what barrel aging adds? Then also check out our barrel-aged collection. There you will find, among other things, stouts in which wood and the barrel's previous contents can provide extra layers of flavor.

Tell us what flavors you like: dry and roasted, soft and chocolatey, or perhaps full and sweet. We are happy to help you choose, in the store or via a message.

Want to look further? On our main page for stout, porter, and barleywineyou will discover the differences between these beer styles and find the corresponding collections.

Discover our Top-Rated Stouts

Curious about which stouts are highly rated by other beer enthusiasts? In our Top-Rated Stouts collectionyou will find all the stouts in our assortment with an Untappd score above 4.00.

A great place to find inspiration for your next discovery. In addition to the score, check the style, flavor description, and alcohol percentage so that you choose a stout that suits your taste.