A Guide to Stout Beers: What Is a Stout Beer?

Dark, rich, smooth and packed with flavour, stout is one of the most distinctive beer styles in the world. But what is a stout beer, and why do so many beer lovers swear by it? This Guide to Stout Beers explains everything you need to know, from what stout tastes like to the different types of stout and more importantly which ones to try.

Stout beer is usually dark in colour and known for roasted malt flavours, often bringing notes of coffee, chocolate, caramel, liquorice, toasted bread and sometimes even vanilla, oats or dark fruit. Some stouts are creamy and easy drinking, while others are bold, strong and intense.

Whether you’re new to stout or already partial to a proper dark beer, this guide will help you understand the style, choose the right stout for your taste and discover brilliant beers available from Beerhunter.

Ready to explore? Browse our full Stout Beer Collection for Irish stout, craft stout, imperial stout and rich dark beer favourites.

What Is a Stout Beer?

A stout beer is a dark beer style made with roasted malt or roasted barley, giving it its signature colour and flavour. Stouts are famous for deep roasted notes, often tasting of coffee, dark chocolate, cocoa, caramel, toast or treacle.

Despite the dark colour, stout does not always mean heavy or strong. Some stouts are light, smooth and highly drinkable, while others are rich, warming and higher in alcohol.

What Does Stout Mean?

The word stout originally meant strong or bold. In beer, it became associated with darker, fuller-bodied beers, particularly stronger versions of porter. Over time, stout developed into its own recognised beer style.

Today, the term stout usually refers to dark beer with roasted malt character. However, there are many variations, from dry Irish stout to sweet milk stout and powerful imperial stout.

So, if someone asks “what does stout mean?”, the simple answer is: stout is a dark beer style known for roasted flavours, depth and smoothness. The fun answer is: it’s the beer equivalent of a cosy jumper, a good armchair and absolutely no intention of leaving the house.

What Does Stout Beer Taste Like?

Stout is famous for rich, roasted flavours, but the exact taste depends on the type of stout and how it is brewed.

Common stout flavours include:

• Coffee
• Dark chocolate
• Cocoa
• Roasted malt
• Toasted bread
• Caramel
• Liquorice
• Oats
• Vanilla
• Dark fruit
• Treacle

Dry stouts tend to be lighter, roastier and more bitter. Milk stouts are sweeter and creamier. Imperial stouts are stronger, richer and more intense. Pastry stouts can include dessert-like flavours such as chocolate, peanut butter, vanilla or caramel.

If you enjoy dark chocolate, coffee or roasted flavours, stout is well worth exploring.

Porter vs Stout: What’s the Difference?

Porter came first. Stout originally referred to stronger, fuller-bodied porter, often called “stout porter”. Over time, stout became its own recognised category.

Porter

Porter is usually dark, smooth and malty, with flavours of chocolate, caramel, toasted bread and gentle roast.

Stout

Stout is often darker, roastier and more coffee-like, with more pronounced roasted barley character.

In reality, modern porter and stout can overlap. Some porters taste roastier than some stouts, and some stouts are softer and sweeter than porters. The best solution? Try both. Strictly for research, obviously.

For a wider range of dark beers and classic styles, browse our wide range of Stout Gifts.

Different Types of Stout Beer

There are several styles of stout beer, each with its own flavour profile. Understanding the main types makes it easier to choose the right one.

Irish Stout

Irish stout is typically dry, smooth and roasted, with coffee-like bitterness and a lighter body than many other stout styles. It’s the classic starting point for many stout drinkers.

Milk Stout

Milk stout is brewed with lactose, a milk sugar that adds sweetness and body. The result is a smoother, creamier stout with softer roasted flavours.

Imperial Stout

Imperial stout is stronger, richer and more intense. Expect higher ABV, full body and deep flavours of chocolate, coffee, dark fruit, molasses and roasted malt.

Craft Stout

Craft stout can cover a wide range of modern interpretations, from hop-forward dark beers to dessert-inspired releases and barrel-aged specials.

Pastry Stout

Pastry stout is designed to taste rich and dessert-like. Common flavours include chocolate, vanilla, caramel, peanut butter, coconut and coffee.

Oyster Stout

Oyster stout is a traditional style sometimes brewed with oyster shells or served alongside oysters. It often has a dry, mineral edge that pairs brilliantly with seafood.

Is Stout Strong?

Not always. Some stout beers are relatively low in alcohol and easy drinking, while others are much stronger.

A dry Irish stout can sit around a similar strength to many standard beers, while imperial stouts are often significantly stronger. The dark colour does not automatically mean high ABV.

Always check the ABV before buying, especially if you’re choosing a stronger craft or imperial stout.

For no and low alcohol options, explore our Alcohol-Free Beer Collection.

Best Stout Beers to Try First

If you’re new to stout, start with something smooth, balanced and not too strong. A classic Irish stout or milk stout is usually a great introduction because the flavours are rich without being overwhelming.

Good stout styles for beginners include:

• Irish stout
• Nitro stout
• Milk stout
• Oatmeal stout
• Chocolate stout
• Lower-ABV craft stout

If you already like bold flavours, try an imperial stout, pastry stout or coffee stout. These styles offer bigger body, stronger flavour and often a higher ABV.

Popular stout choices often include names such as Murphy’s, O’Hara’s, Guinness-style export stouts, Samuel Smith’s, craft stouts and seasonal imperial stout releases.

Stout Beer Brands Worth Knowing

Stout beer brands and breweries to look out for include:

• Murphy’s
• O’Hara’s
• Samuel Smith’s
• Guinness-style export stout producers
• Mash Gang
• Northern Monk
• BrewDog
• Left Hand Brewing
• Siren
• Thornbridge

The best stout brand for you depends on the style you enjoy. If you like smooth and classic, go Irish stout. If you like sweet and creamy, try milk stout. If you want big, bold and powerful, imperial stout is your next stop.

H2: Stout Beer Gifts and Mixed Cases

Stout makes a fantastic gift for beer lovers who enjoy rich, dark and full-flavoured beers. A mixed stout case or dark beer selection gives the recipient a chance to try different styles, from smooth Irish stout to stronger imperial stout and sweeter milk stout.

Stout gift ideas include:

• Stout mixed cases
• Irish stout packs
• Craft stout selections
• Dark beer gift boxes
• Stout and glass gift sets
• Chocolate stout gifts
• Imperial stout specials

Why Buy Stout Beer from Beerhunter?

Beerhunter stocks a carefully selected range of stout beers, dark beers and mixed cases for UK beer lovers. Whether you’re trying stout for the first time or hunting for something rich, bold and seasonal, we make it easy to discover brilliant beers online.

Whether you’re searching for a Guide to Stout Beers, asking what is a stout beer, or ready to buy your next dark beer, Beerhunter is here to help you find a proper stout worth pouring.

Frequently Asked Questions About Stout Beer

What is a stout beer?

A stout beer is a dark beer style made with roasted malt or roasted barley. It often tastes of coffee, chocolate, roasted grain, caramel or liquorice.

What does stout mean?

In beer, stout refers to a dark, roasted beer style. The word originally suggested strength or boldness, but modern stouts can range from light and smooth to strong and intense.

Is stout stronger than lager?

Not always. Some stouts are similar in strength to lager, while imperial stouts are much stronger. The dark colour does not automatically mean higher alcohol.

What is the difference between porter and stout?

Porter is usually smooth, dark and malty, while stout is often roastier, darker and more coffee-like. The two styles are closely related and can overlap.

What does stout taste like?

Stout often tastes roasted, chocolatey, coffee-like, creamy, malty or slightly bitter. Some styles are dry, while others are sweet and dessert-like.

What is imperial stout?

Imperial stout is a stronger, richer version of stout, often with higher ABV and intense flavours of chocolate, coffee, dark fruit and roasted malt.

What stout should beginners try first?

Beginners should usually start with dry Irish stout, milk stout or oatmeal stout, as these styles are smooth, balanced and approachable.