What is considered a stout beer? 

If the first thing that comes to your mind when you hear the word 'stout' is Guinness, you're on the right track. But, what is the story behind a stout? Though they are a staple beer style found in almost every pub, very little is known about it. 

Until now. 

What is a stout?

Image courtesy of https://vinepair.com

Stout is part of the ale family and is usually very dark beer. A stout is typically thicker than your traditional ale because of the usage of malt and smoked barley in the brewing process. Some people refer to a stout as a "meal in a glass" due to its thick texture and rich, strong taste. And we don't mean a strong bitter taste. It's often compared to flavours like chocolate or coffee (now that is breakfast and dessert in one glass!). 

A stout has a very distinctive look as well. Unlike the crisp look of a pale ale, a stout is a textured and opaque dark brown colour with a large frothy head. 

Where does stout come from?

Much like its iconic taste, it is rich in history as well. The stout that we know today was originally called a porter in London. The beer was popular in the 1700s mainly because it was affordable, lasted longer than other beers, and could persevere changing temperatures and heat. 

Porters were a common brew with different characteristics and styles. One of those brews was a strong, dark, roasty beer named "Single Stout" - which is one of the earliest examples of 'stout' being used to refer to a beer. The porters' popularity boomed even more until the good folks of Ireland (Guinness) started brewing their own. 

Types of stouts 

There is a wide variety to choose from, but here are some of the most common types of stouts: 

Irish Stout 

This is a very dark drink with a roasted flavour. With notes of coffee, smooth texture, and a deeper flavour, this is a sure choice for those who like a bold drink.

Milk Stout

Often referred to as 'sweet stout', it has lactose added to it which gives it the sweetness and smoothness of..well, milk. This style came about when English workers started adding milk to their stout for a boost of nutrition (brb, trying this now). 

Imperial Stout 

You know the drill - when 'imperial" is in its name, you know it's going to be a strong beer! Imperial Stout is one of the darkest stout styles and is big in both flavour and alcohol content at around 9%. This is also known as Russian Imperial Stout as the English exported it to the Baltic states. Russian Catherine the Great was apparently quite fond of this tipple.

 Image courtesy of The Irish Times

 How to pour a stout?

Firstly, a tulip pint glass is the best choice to hold your stout beer. Stouts have smaller gas bubbles, which are better retained in a shaped glass.

The second step is about angles and follows the same direction as pouring a traditional ale. Make sure your glass is angled at 45 degrees, and pour as you slowly tilt your glass upright. When upright, pour into the middle of the pint to create a head on your pint that is roughly 1 inch to an inch and a half thick. As with all pint pours, prevent the spout from touching your pint or the glass bottom; this way, you will get the best results.

The last step is the most important, take your glass and enjoy the first sip of the perfect pint you have just created. Now that you are a certified stout expert why not treat yourself to one at Taps!