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The Brewer: Scott Stramella
I started homebrewing in 2018. My interest was piqued when I walked past a homebrew store. I thought it would be cool to brew my own beer, and Christmas was coming up. A friend of ours was a homebrewer, and he offered to teach me—so I decided I would go with a more traditional way of brewing.
After researching, I really wanted to try the Spike brand. The short story is I started with a Flex+ and now have a 20-gallon Solo System, CF5 and CF10, both with the TC-100 Temperature Control Bundle.
About The Spike Solo System:Brew beer at home! The Spike Solo system is simple to use and turnkey right out of the box. Whether you're a brewer looking to upgrade your current setup or a 20-year veteran looking to downsize, the Solo is for you. All Solo system's come with a standard lid. If you would like to switch out the standard lid for a CIP Lid, select that add-on below and this will ship instead of the standard lid. Additional features include:
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The Beer: Dry Irish Stout
This Dry Irish Stout is noted by its roasted flavor from the barley addition. It is not overly bitter, it's more of a smooth, roasted mouthfeel.
My wife loves Guinness. I wasn't big on Stouts but wanted to brew one for her. Now it always stays on tap!
The Recipe: Slainte
INGREDIENTS
GRAIN
- 7.5 lbs Pale 2 Row
- 1 lbs Crystal 20
- 1 lbs Roasted Barley
- 0.5 oz Black Malt
HOPS
- Boil hops: 0.6 oz East Kent Golding - 0:60 min
- Boil hops: 0.45 oz Crystal - 0:60 min
- Boil hops: 0.45 oz Willamette - 0:60 min
- Boil hops: 0.45 oz Cascade- Flame out/Whirlpool
YEAST
- Wyeast #1084 Irish Ale
INSTRUCTIONS
BATCH SIZE: 5 gal
OG: 1.046
FG: 1.012
IBU: 24.7
ABV: 4.5%
EFFICIENCY: 73%
MASH TEMP: 152 ºF
BOIL: 60 min
FERMENTATION:
67ºF - 7 days
SYSTEM: Spike Solo System
Spike Summarizes: All Things Stout Beer
What Is Stout Beer?
Stout beer, known for its intense flavors and dark hues, is crafted with roasted malt or barley, hops, water, and yeast. With ABV percentages ranging from 4% to 10%, stouts come in black to deep brown shades and can taste sweet or bitter.
The flavor profiles vary greatly, with hints of coffee, chocolate, caramel, roasted malt, molasses, licorice, and oatmeal.
What Is the History of Stout Beer?
Travel back to the 1600s in England, where the stout story begins. Initially, "stout" simply referred to a robust, dark beer. Stout was originally the bolder cousin of porter, a popular dark beer brewed in London.
Fast forward to the 18th century, when stout beer became the talk of the town among Londoners. Taverns and pubs eagerly served this rich brew, and brewers dabbled in new ingredients and techniques to produce diverse styles.
The 19th century brought the rise of stout beer giants like Guinness, Mackeson, and Bass.
Today, stout beer is one of the most beloved beer styles worldwide. From traditional dry stouts to imperial, milk, oatmeal, and barrel-aged stouts, there's a stout for every beer aficionado.
What Do I Pair With Stout Beer?
Stout beer is an incredibly versatile and delightful beverage that can be savored in numerous ways. Sure, it's great on its own, but why stop there?
Food Pairings: A match made in heaven! Pair your stout with rich, savory dishes like a steak or a burger. Got a sweet tooth? Try chocolate cake or brownies. Stouts also play well with creamy dishes like macaroni and cheese – cutting through the richness and balancing the flavors.
Ingredient Boost: Transform your drinks! Add a stout shot to hot cocoa or coffee for a depth of flavor. Create lip-smacking cocktails like a Black and Tan (stout and pale ale) or a Black Russian (stout and vodka).
Cooking Companions: Stout's bold flavor adds a kick to your dishes, enhancing beef stew, chili, or even chocolate cake. Its tenderizing powers make it perfect for marinades and slow-cooked meals.
What are the Types of Stout Beer?
Imperial Stout
Imperial Stout is a powerful and intense stout beer made with a high percentage of roasted barley and hops.
This full-bodied beer has a deep, complex flavor profile, and its high alcohol content (8-12% ABV) is complemented by notes of coffee and dark chocolate.
Milk Stout
Milk Stout, also known as Sweet Stout, is a creamy, sweet stout beer made with lactose sugar. This sugar contributes to the beer's distinct sweetness, body, and texture.
Dark in color with a mild roasted flavor, milk stouts are a great choice for a lighter beer or as an after-dinner drink or dessert accompaniment.
Smoked Porter
A stout beer with a smoky flavor derived from smoked malt used during brewing, Smoked Porter is a full-bodied beer with robust flavors of chocolate, coffee, and roasted nuts.
Pair it with barbeque, smoked meats, aged cheeses, chocolate cake, or brownies.
Barrel-Aged Stout
A unique stout beer aged in wooden barrels, Barrel-Aged Stout has a complex flavor profile and higher alcohol content than other stouts.
The aging process imparts flavors of oak, vanilla, and caramel, and the beer can be aged from six months to two years.
Oatmeal Stout
Featuring a unique flavor and texture profile from the addition of oats during the brewing process, Oatmeal Stout has a smooth, creamy mouthfeel and sweet, nutty flavor.
Ranging from sweet and malty to slightly roasted, it pairs well with a variety of dishes, from seafood to desserts.
Coffee Stout
Infused with coffee, Coffee Stout is a popular dark beer with a strong coffee aroma and flavor. Often enjoyed as an after-dinner drink or dessert accompaniment, it can also be enjoyed as an aperitif or a refreshing beer for a summer day.
Breakfast Stout
A unique beer brewed with coffee, oatmeal, and chocolate, Breakfast Stout has a rich, bold flavor with a smooth, slightly sweet finish. Pair it with smoked meats, omelets, or other breakfast favorites, or enjoy it as a morning pick-me-up.
Chocolate Stout
Chocolate Stout is a delightful take on stout beer, brewed with dark malts, cocoa powder, or chocolate for a rich, indulgent flavor. Often enjoyed with desserts or spicy dishes, this beer has a complex mix of sweet, roasted malts, dark chocolate, and hints of coffee.
Dry or Irish Stout
Originating in Ireland, Dry or Irish Stout is known for its dark color, dry roasted flavor, and low alcohol content, making it a perfect session beer. Roasted barley gives it its unique flavor and color. Served on nitro taps, this beer offers a creamy, smooth texture.
Pair it with grilled meats, fish, or salads, and enjoy a flavorful yet light beer experience.
What Kind of Beer Is a Stout?
A stout is a dark, full-bodied beer made with roasted malt or barley, hops, water, and yeast, featuring flavors like chocolate, coffee, roasted, smoky, and sweet notes. The alcohol content can range from 4-8% ABV, depending on the style.
Is Stout Beer a Dark Beer?
Yes, a stout is considered to be a dark beer, made with roasted malt or barley, hops, water, and yeast. It’s characterized by its full-bodied flavor.
Does Stout Have a Higher Alcohol Content?
Stout beer often has higher alcohol content than other beers, ranging from 4-8% ABV, depending on the style. Check the label to know the alcohol content of a specific beer.
What Is Another Name for Stout Beer?
Stout beer is also called "black beer," known for its full-bodied flavor profile with chocolate, coffee, roasted, smoky, and sweet notes.
Is Coffee Beer a Stout?
Coffee beer is a stout beer variety brewed with coffee beans, featuring flavors like chocolate, coffee, roasted, smoky, and sweet notes. Its alcohol content ranges from 4-8% ABV, depending on the style.
