Overview for the Sweet Stout

The Sweet Stout and Milk Stout originated in England in the early 20th century and were marketed as a tonic for invalids and nursing mothers. The Sweet Stout is very similar to the Milk Stout but its use of unfermentable sugars doesn’t include lactose. Like other stouts, its color ranges from dark brown to black and is either opaque or clear. Full body or nearly so with a creamy feel and low carbonation. Roasted grain combined with the sugars give the aroma and palate a coffee and cream or sweet espresso character. Chocolate and fruity esters may be present. Hops typically lend an earthy or floral flavor. The Milk Stout and Sweet Stouts are sweeter than other stouts with a milder roast character. Its balance is similar to that of an Oatmeal Stout.

Style Expectations

A very dark, sweet, full-bodied, slightly roasty ale that can suggest coffee-and-cream, or sweetened espresso.

Appearance

Very dark brown to black in color. Can be opaque (if not, it should be clear). Creamy tan to brown head.

Aroma

Mild roasted grain aroma, sometimes with coffee and/or chocolate notes. An impression of cream-like sweetness often exists. Fruitiness can be low to moderately high. Diacetyl low to none. Hop aroma low to none, with floral or earthy notes.

Flavor

Dark roasted grain/malt impression with coffee and/or chocolate flavors dominate the palate. Hop bitterness is moderate. Medium to high sweetness provides a counterpoint to the roasted character and hop bitterness, and lasts into the finish. Low to moderate fruity esters. Diacetyl low to none. The balance between dark grains/malts and sweetness can vary, from quite sweet to moderately dry and somewhat roasty.

Mouthfeel

Medium-full to full-bodied and creamy. Low to moderate carbonation. High residual sweetness from unfermented sugars enhances the full-tasting mouthfeel.

Reviews

Ivory Stout (White Stout)

Sweet Stout  •  Brew Link Brewing Company

Ivory Stout (White Stout) is an English-style Sweet Stout by Brew Link Brewing Company that looks pale with sweet flavors of chocolate and vanilla. Read More

Joe-Joe’s Cookie Stout

Sweet Stout  •  Anchor Brewing

Joe-Joe’s Cookie Stout is a Sweet Stout by Anchor Brewing that blends semisweet chocolate, dark fruit, and vanilla with floral hops and booze. Read More

Hazelutely Choctabulous

Sweet Stout  •  Rogue Ales

Hazelutely Choctabulous is a Sweet Stout by Rogue Ales that deliciously balances sweet notes of nut and chocolate with roast and hops. Read More

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