Overview for the American Stout

The American Stout is a more aggressive rendition of the English and Irish Stouts. It has the dark body and flavor of those styles but with a greater hops presence. Has more roast and body than an either an American Porter or American Black Ale. But doesn’t have as much roast, character or strength of an Imperial Stout.

Style Expectations

A fairly strong, highly roasted, bitter, hoppy dark stout. Has the body and dark flavors typical of stouts with a more aggressive American hop character and bitterness.

Appearance

Generally a jet black color, although some may appear very dark brown. Large, persistent head of light tan to light brown in color. Usually opaque.

Aroma

Moderate to strong aroma of roasted malts, often having a roasted coffee or dark chocolate quality. Burnt or charcoal aromas are acceptable at low levels. Medium to very low hop aroma, often with a citrusy or resiny character. Medium to no esters. Light alcohol-derived aromatics are also optional.

Flavor

Moderate to very high roasted malt flavors, often tasting of coffee, roasted coffee beans, dark or bittersweet chocolate. May have the flavor of slightly burnt coffee grounds, but this character should not be prominent. Low to medium malt sweetness, often with rich chocolate or caramel flavors. Medium to high bitterness. Low to high hop flavor, generally citrusy or resiny. Low to no esters. Medium to dry finish, occasionally with a lightly burnt quality. Alcohol flavors can be present up to medium levels, but smooth.

Mouthfeel

Medium to full body. Can be somewhat creamy, particularly if a small amount of oats have been used to enhance mouthfeel. Can have a bit of roast-derived astringency, but this character should not be excessive. Medium-high to high carbonation. Light to moderately strong alcohol warmth, but smooth and not excessively hot.

Reviews

Panda

American Stout  •  J. Wakefield Brewing

Panda is an American Stout by J. Wakefield Brewing that’s sweet with Oreo cookie flavors of chocolate and vanilla and balanced by a mild coffee roast. Read More

Midnight Oil

Oatmeal Stout  •  Swamp Head Brewery

Midnight Oil is an English-style Oatmeal Stout by Swamp Head Brewery that blends coffee roast with creamy oats and dark chocolate. Read More

Coffee Stout

American Stout  •  Sierra Nevada Brewing Co.

Coffee Stout is an American Stout by Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. that delightfully blends cold-brewed coffee, lemon tea and pine with caramel and chocolate. Read More

Campfire Stout

American Stout  •  High Water Brewing

Campfire Stout is an American Stout by High Water Brewing Company that sweetly delivers chocolaty S’mores in a glass. Read More

Granite Stout

American Stout  •  603 Brewery

Granite Stout is an American Stout by 603 Brewery that sweetens your palate with vanilla, lactose, and dark chocolate. Read More

Total Wake Up Call

American Stout  •  Barley Mow Brewing Company

Total Wake Up Call is an American Stout by Barley Mow Brewing Company that has a clean palate of coffee roast, dark chocolate, and pine. Read More

The Patsy

American Stout  •  Barley Forge Brewing Co.

The Patsy is an American Stout by Barley Forge Brewing Co. that blends sweet notes of dark chocolate and coconut with espresso, toasty malt, and rye. Read More

Kalamazoo Stout

American Stout  •  Bell’s Brewery, Inc.

Kalamazoo Stout is an American Stout by Bell’s Brewery, Inc. that masterfully blends coffee roast, dark chocolate, hops, and licorice. Read More

The Commodore

American Stout  •  Ballast Point Brewing Company

The Commodore is an award-winning American Stout by Ballast Point Brewing Company that’s rich and creamy with dark chocolate and coffee roast. Read More

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