BJCP 16C · Dark British Beer
Tropical Stout
A strong, sweet, fruity stout from tropical countries, with gentle roast and a sweetness that can recall brown sugar. Noticeable but well-integrated alcohol.
Tropical Stout by the numbers
- Alcohol (ABV)
- 5.5 – 8.0%on a scale of 2.0 to 14.0
- Bitterness
- 30 – 50 IBUon a scale of 0 to 100
- Color
- 30 – 40 SRM59–79 EBCon a scale of 1 to 40
- Original gravity
- 1.056 – 1.075on a scale of 1.026 to 1.130
- Final gravity
- 1.010 – 1.018on a scale of 0.990 to 1.040
What Tropical Stout is like
A very dark, sweet, fruity stout with gentle roast and high alcohol that doesn't come across too strongly. It's smooth on the palate and somewhat cloying in the sweetest versions.
Appearance
Very dark to black and opaque. Tan to brown head with good retention.
Aroma
Malt sweetness with coffee, chocolate or caramel and fruity esters of tropical or dark fruit. Light alcohol.
Flavor
Sweet, with gentle coffee or chocolate roast, fruit and sometimes brown sugar or molasses. Low to moderate bitterness and a sweet finish.
Mouthfeel
Medium to full body, creamy. Moderate to high carbonation and light warmth.
Where Tropical Stout comes from
It comes from the British stouts exported to tropical colonies. There, people began brewing it locally, often with lager yeast and sugars, adapting it to sweeter tastes.
Ingredients
Pale ale or pilsner malt with chocolate malt, roasted barley and sugar, which is often a large share of the fermentables. Few hops and lager or ale yeast, often fermented warm.
Brew it yourself
How to brew Tropical Stout at home
Use 10-20% sugar to raise the gravity without making it heavy, and ferment with a large pitch. If you use ale yeast, ferment at 19-21 °C (66-70 °F) to get fruity esters without harsh alcohols. The classic mistake is leaving it too dry and roasty, which turns it into a Foreign Extra Stout.
Food pairing
Chocolate desserts, barbecued pork or spicy jerk chicken.
Glassware: nonic pint glass, the classic pub glass, made for long drinks.
Classic examples
- Lion Stout
- Dragon Stout
Frequently asked questions
How strong is Tropical Stout?
Between 5.5% and 8.0% ABV, according to the BJCP 2021 Style Guidelines. That is a high strength.
How bitter is Tropical Stout?
It has 30 to 50 IBUs, a high bitterness. For reference, a mass-market lager is around 10 IBUs.
What color is Tropical Stout?
Black: 30 to 40 SRM (59 to 79 EBC).
What food pairs well with Tropical Stout?
Chocolate desserts, barbecued pork or spicy jerk chicken.
Which styles are similar?
If you like it, also try Foreign Extra Stout and Sweet Stout.
If you like Tropical Stout, try these
Classification and statistics: official Tropical Stout guidelines from the BJCP, 2021 edition. Original text by Hacer Cerveza Casera.