Stout is a rich, dark beer with a history that dates back centuries, and British brewers have perfected it over time. Known for its bold flavors, from roasted malts to hints of chocolate and coffee, stouts have become a favorite among beer enthusiasts. In this blog post, we’ll dive into the best British stouts, based on the experiences and feedback of Telegraph readers. Whether you’re a seasoned stout aficionado or a curious beginner, this list is sure to guide you toward some of the best brews the UK has to offer.
Contents
The Legacy of British Stouts
Before diving into the best stouts, it’s important to understand the legacy and cultural significance of stouts in Britain. Stouts originated in the early 18th century as a stronger version of porter, a beer style that was already gaining popularity in London. The name “stout” originally referred to strength, not flavor. Over the years, the stout beer evolved and became a staple in British brewing, especially in the colder months, offering a warming and hearty drink.
Key Types of British Stouts
- Dry Stout: Often referred to as Irish stout, this variety has a dry finish with a distinct roasted malt flavor.
- Milk Stout: Made with lactose (milk sugar), this stout is smoother and slightly sweeter than dry stouts.
- Imperial Stout: Stronger and bolder, with higher alcohol content, these stouts have a rich flavor profile with notes of dark fruit, chocolate, and coffee.
- Oatmeal Stout: This stout is brewed with oats, adding a smooth, creamy texture and enhancing the beer’s body.
- Sweet Stout: Similar to milk stout but with a greater emphasis on sweetness, these beers are rich and full-bodied.
What Makes a Great British Stout?
According to Telegraph readers, a great British stout has several distinguishing characteristics. Let’s take a look at the features that make a stout stand out:
1. Rich, Roasted Flavors
The signature taste of a British stout is its roasted malt profile, which imparts deep flavors of chocolate, coffee, and caramel. The balance of sweetness and bitterness in the flavor is a key factor in determining the quality of a stout.
2. Smooth and Velvety Texture
A well-brewed stout should have a full-bodied mouthfeel, often creamy or silky in texture. This adds to the overall drinking experience, making it a perfect drink for those who prefer a substantial, satisfying beer.
3. Complex Aromas
A great stout offers a layered aroma, often including notes of dark chocolate, roasted coffee, nuts, and even a hint of vanilla. These aromas should tantalize the senses and prepare the drinker for the taste ahead.
4. Balanced Bitterness
While stouts are known for their strong, roasted flavors, they should also have a balanced bitterness. The best stouts maintain a good equilibrium between the malt sweetness and the bitterness from the hops and roasted grains.
Top British Stouts – As Voted by Telegraph Readers
Now, let’s get into the list of the best British stouts, according to the Telegraph readers. These stouts have earned rave reviews for their taste, texture, and overall quality.
1. Guinness Draught
Type: Dry Stout
ABV: 4.2%
Brewer: Guinness
Arguably the most famous stout in the world, Guinness Draught has been a staple of British and Irish drinking culture for over 250 years. Known for its creamy mouthfeel and signature dark color, this dry stout offers roasted malt flavors with a mild bitterness and a slight sweetness. While Guinness is widely available, it’s the consistency and quality that keep it at the top of many readers’ lists.
2. Samuel Smith’s Oatmeal Stout
Type: Oatmeal Stout
ABV: 5.0%
Brewer: Samuel Smith Old Brewery
Samuel Smith’s Oatmeal Stout is a beloved classic that combines a smooth, creamy body with roasted malt flavors and a hint of sweetness. The oats contribute to a velvety texture, making this a very drinkable stout. The beer has a rich, dark color, with aromas of chocolate and roasted coffee beans, and it finishes with a subtle bitterness.
3. Fuller’s London Porter
Type: Porter (But Often Referred to as a Stout)
ABV: 5.4%
Brewer: Fuller’s Brewery
Though technically a porter, Fuller’s London Porter is frequently compared to stouts due to its similar rich, roasted malt profile. It has a strong presence of dark chocolate, toffee, and coffee flavors, balanced with a slight sweetness and a clean finish. It’s perfect for those who enjoy a complex, well-rounded stout-style beer.
4. BrewDog’s Jet Black Heart
Type: Milk Stout
ABV: 4.7%
Brewer: BrewDog
BrewDog’s Jet Black Heart is a milk stout that combines smooth creaminess with rich coffee and chocolate flavors. It has a slightly sweet and velvety finish, thanks to the addition of lactose. BrewDog has earned a reputation for brewing innovative and bold beers, and this milk stout is no exception. It’s an excellent choice for anyone new to the stout world or those who prefer a sweeter stout.
5. North Brewing Co. Doxxed Imperial Stout
Type: Imperial Stout
ABV: 10.5%
Brewer: North Brewing Co.
For those looking for a stronger, bolder beer, North Brewing Co.’s Doxxed Imperial Stout is a must-try. With an impressive ABV of 10.5%, this beer is full of intense flavors, including dark fruit, rich chocolate, coffee, and caramel. It’s a decadent beer that works well as a sipping stout, perfect for cold winter nights or pairing with dessert.
6. The Kernel Brewery’s Imperial Stout
Type: Imperial Stout
ABV: 9.1%
Brewer: The Kernel Brewery
The Kernel Brewery’s Imperial Stout is a powerful yet well-balanced beer. It offers a robust blend of roasted coffee, dark chocolate, and caramel flavors, with a deep, complex bitterness. The mouthfeel is full and rich, providing a satisfying experience for stout lovers. The Kernel is a craft brewery known for its quality, and this stout showcases their expertise.
7. Magic Rock’s Dark Arts
Type: Porter (Stout-Like)
ABV: 6.0%
Brewer: Magic Rock Brewing
Magic Rock Brewing’s Dark Arts is a dark beer that leans towards the stout style with its deep roasted flavors of coffee and chocolate. It’s got a perfect balance of sweetness and bitterness, making it easy to drink despite its complexity. The slightly smoky finish adds to the intrigue of this modern British stout.
The Best Stouts for Different Occasions
Different stouts shine under different circumstances. Here are some suggestions for when to enjoy each type of stout:
| Stout | Best For | Recommended Pairing |
|---|---|---|
| Guinness Draught | Casual, everyday drinking | Oysters, burgers, or pizza |
| Samuel Smith’s Oatmeal Stout | A cozy night in front of the fire | Cheese, chocolate desserts |
| Fuller’s London Porter | A rich, complex beer with history | Roast meats, stews, or pies |
| BrewDog’s Jet Black Heart | Sweet and smooth stout, perfect for beginners | Brownies, caramel desserts |
| North Brewing Co. Doxxed | Strong, bold flavor for those who like intensity | Dark chocolate, strong cheese |
| The Kernel Imperial Stout | For the seasoned stout drinker | Charcuterie, dark chocolate |
| Magic Rock Dark Arts | When you want something smoky and smooth | Smoked meats, spicy dishes |
Conclusion
The world of British stouts is vast and varied, with something to offer everyone from the casual drinker to the seasoned connoisseur. Whether you’re sipping on the smooth, creamy texture of a milk stout like BrewDog’s Jet Black Heart or exploring the bold complexity of an imperial stout like North Brewing Co.’s Doxxed, these beers have earned their place in the hearts of Telegraph readers and beer enthusiasts across the UK.
We hope this list inspires you to explore the diverse world of British stouts and try out some of the finest brews the UK has to offer. Cheers!
Tags:
British Stouts, Best Stouts, Telegraph, Guinness, Samuel Smith, Oatmeal Stout, Milk Stout, Imperial Stout, Craft Beer, UK Beer, Stout Review
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