BJCP 16A · Dark British Beer
Sweet Stout
A sweet, creamy stout, often made with lactose, that brings to mind milky coffee or milk chocolate. Gentle roast and low bitterness.
Sweet Stout by the numbers
- Alcohol (ABV)
- 4.0 – 6.0%on a scale of 2.0 to 14.0
- Bitterness
- 20 – 40 IBUon a scale of 0 to 100
- Color
- 30 – 40 SRM59–79 EBCon a scale of 1 to 40
- Original gravity
- 1.044 – 1.060on a scale of 1.026 to 1.130
- Final gravity
- 1.012 – 1.024on a scale of 0.990 to 1.040
What Sweet Stout is like
A black or very dark, full-bodied stout with sweetness that balances the roast. It often brings to mind milky coffee or milk chocolate.
Appearance
Very dark brown to black, opaque. Creamy tan head.
Aroma
Gentle roast with coffee or chocolate, some creamy sweetness and sometimes light fruit. Low to no hops.
Flavor
Moderate coffee and chocolate roast with a clear sweetness that softens it. Low to moderate bitterness and a sweet or medium-sweet finish.
Mouthfeel
Medium to full body, creamy. Low to moderate carbonation.
Where Sweet Stout comes from
Milk stouts appeared in England in the early 20th century and were sold as a nourishing beer. In the UK a beer can no longer be called “milk,” though the name is still used in other countries.
Ingredients
Pale ale malt with roasted barley or chocolate malt and crystal, plus lactose, the milk sugar that yeast can't ferment. English hops in small amounts and English yeast.
Brew it yourself
How to brew Sweet Stout at home
Add the lactose in the last few minutes of the boil, around 5-10% of the fermentables. Mash at 67-68 °C (153-154 °F) and ferment at 18-20 °C (64-68 °F). Carbonate low, and remember that lactose adds both sweetness and body, so don't overdo it or the beer will be cloying.
Food pairing
Chocolate desserts, tiramisu or a mild blue cheese.
Glassware: nonic pint glass, the classic pub glass, made for long drinks.
Classic examples
- Mackeson XXX Stout
- Left Hand Milk Stout
Frequently asked questions
How strong is Sweet Stout?
Between 4.0% and 6.0% ABV, according to the BJCP 2021 Style Guidelines. That is a moderate strength.
How bitter is Sweet Stout?
It has 20 to 40 IBUs, a moderate bitterness. For reference, a mass-market lager is around 10 IBUs.
What color is Sweet Stout?
Black: 30 to 40 SRM (59 to 79 EBC).
What food pairs well with Sweet Stout?
Chocolate desserts, tiramisu or a mild blue cheese.
Which styles are similar?
If you like it, also try Oatmeal Stout and Tropical Stout.
If you like Sweet Stout, try these
Classification and statistics: official Sweet Stout guidelines from the BJCP, 2021 edition. Original text by Hacer Cerveza Casera.