Sweet Stout

Includes styles: Milk Stout, Cream Stout

Recipes:: 8,332
BJCP 2021:: 16A
Era:: Traditional
Origin:: 🇬🇧 Great Britain
Fermentation:: Top
Color:: Dark
Strength:: Normal
Taste:: Malty

Profile

Sweet Stout, also known as Milk Stout or Cream Stout, is a dark beer style that originates from England. Historically, brewers often added lactose, a form of sugar derived from milk, to the beer because its unfermentable nature meant it would remain in the brew post-fermentation, lending sweetness and fullness to the final product. This practice was intended to produce a more nourishing and energy-rich beverage. The association with milk led to the term "Milk Stout," while "Cream Stout" often implies a smoother, creamier texture.

In appearance, Sweet Stouts are characteristically dark brown to black in color. They may have ruby or mahogany highlights visible when held up to light. A thick, creamy head is common and can range from off-white to tan. These stouts are marked by their mild roastiness balanced with a distinctly sweet quality that can evoke caramel, cream, coffee, or chocolate notes underpinned by a smooth malt character. The residual sweetness from lactose rounds out any potential bitterness from hops or roasted grain while maintaining enough presence not to be cloying.

The roast character in both scent and flavor does not reach the level of burnt nature that might be found in other stout varieties like Irish Stouts. Due to the low bitterness relative to other stout styles and this characteristic sweetness, Sweet Stouts provide a counterpoint to more bitter or dry stouts. It's these qualities that distinguish Sweet Stouts as dessert-like and lush within the wide spectrum of stout varieties.