What Is The Difference Between A Stout And Milk Stout

Porters and stouts are a well loved beer the world over. There are many different styles and strengths of this popular beer. Milk stout being one of them. But what is the difference between a stout and milk stout?

Is it just a normal stout with milk added? Although that has been done in the past this is not the case.

So not a beer to drink if you are lactose intolerant.

What Is A Stout?

Stout is a dark beer which comes from using roasted barley and chocolate malts. This gives the beer is rich flavour and black appearance.

Stout originates from porter which was a popular beer in London, England back in the 1720’s. The beer got the name because of its popularity with the river porters of the time.

Because of its popularity many brewers came up with their own versions and this led to stronger porters being made.

The stronger versions became known as ‘stout porters’ (stout meaning – strong, heavy, solid, tough and sturdy). However the word porter eventually got dropped from the stronger versions and they became known as just stouts.

There is a debate as to the difference between porters and stouts. Although originally the strength may have been the main difference, today both are made with various strengths.

One main difference is that stouts are brewed with unmalted roasted barley. Whereas porters are brewed with dark malted barley.

Stout And Milk Stout

Although there is a thin blurry line between stouts and porters, what about milk stouts.

Whereas a stout generally has roasted coffee and dark chocolate flavours with a bitter edge. A milk stout although having similar flavour characteristics, tends to have a sweeter taste creamy mouthfeel to it.

This comes from lactose or milk sugar that is added to the brewing process. People who are lactose intolerant cannot digest the sugar found in dairy products lactose. This can cause bloating, stomach cramps and other symptoms.

This is the same in the brewing process, yeast cannot breakdown the lactose and turn the sugars into alcohol. So it remains in the finished beer giving it a sweetness and creamy mouthfeel.

So lactose is what makes milk stout different to a normal stout. Milk stout is also known as sweet stout or cream stout.

Other Types Of Stouts

Innovative modern brewers are coming up with many variations of different beer styles. And this includes stouts and porters too.

However before this stouts generally came in several different versions. The different versions include English, Irish, Oatmeal, Milk, Imperial and even oyster stout.

English Stout

A typical English stout is the type that derived from the original porters from the old days. The use of roasted barley gives rich burnt coffee and chocolate flavours with a nice bitterness.

Nowadays there are plenty of variants to the original English stout.

Irish Stout

Irish stout has similar characteristics as the standard English stout, but is generally a little drier. The most famous Irish stout is of course Guinness.

Irish stouts are normally served with the addition of nitrogen to give a more smoother creamy texture and a longer lasting head.

Oatmeal Stout

As you may have guessed this stout has oats added to the brewing process. This can add a smooth silky texture to the mouthfeel and sweet nutty notes.

Oatmeal Stout became popular in England in the late 19th century, when it was marketed as nourishing and healthy to drink.

Imperial Stout

An Imperial stout (also known as Russian Imperial Stout) is much bigger and bolder than the standard stout. More intense roasted flavours and bitterness, as well as a higher ABV which can be nine and above.

It originated in England when it was brewed and exported for the Russian Imperial Court. Hence why it is also known as Russian Imperial Stout.

Oyster Stout

Seems an odd ingredients to add to a beer, especially a stout beer. However Oyster stouts are a real thing, originating in England when oysters were often served in pubs to accompany drinks.

Brewers may use the whole oyster, just the meat or just the shell in the brewing process. A stout that is not for everyone, including me.

Final Thoughts

American stouts have become hugely popular, and although derive from the original porters of London. They are well established as an American beer.

Porters and stouts are more popular than ever with the craft beer industry worldwide producing so many of them. Some are close to the originals, while some are way more extravagant.

Milk stout is one of the stout styles that many beer drinking love, but lactose is also making its way in other beers.

Lactose is also being added to other beer styles too, some IPA’s, sour beers and milkshake beers too. It is worth checking the ingredients of beers if you want to avoid lactose.

If you are okay with lactose, then a milk stout is a lovely version of this dark mysterious beer. Share your thoughts about your favourite porter or stout below.