Sweet stout, also referred to as cream stout or milk stout, is black in color. Malt sweetness, chocolate and caramel should dominate the flavor profile and contribute to the aroma. It also should have a low to medium-low roasted malt/barley-derived bitterness. Milk sugar (lactose) lends the style more body. This beer does use lactose sugar, so people with an intolerance should probably avoid this style.
English-Style Sweet Stout (Milk Stout)
Category: Stouts
Food Pairings
- Mexican Mole, Spicy BBQ
- Buttery Cheddar
- Chocolate Cake, Ice Cream
Commercial Examples
- Milk Stout, Left Hand Brewing Co.
- Udder Love, Beachwood Brewery & BBQ
- Samuel Adams Cream Stout, Boston Beer Co.
Appearance
Color
Black
Clarity
Opaque
Carbonation (Visual)
Slow to Medium Rising Bubbles
Flavor/Aroma
Alcohol
Mild
Hop
Hop aroma and flavor are not perceived. Hop bitterness is low to medium-low and serves to balance and suppress some of the sweetness without contributing apparent flavor nor aroma
Malt
Malt sweetness, chocolate, and caramel should dominate the flavor profile. Malt bitterness is low to medium-low and derived from roasted malt or barley
Esters
Fruity ester flavors are low, if present
Phenols
Not common to style
Sensations
Body
Mouth-Coating
Carbonation
Low to Medium
Finish Length
Medium
Attenuation
Medi
Ingredients
Hops
Kent Goldings
Malt
British Pale Ale, Black Patent, Pale Chocolate, Crystal
Water
High carbonate water
Yeast
Ale
