American-Style Stout – North American Origin Ale Styles

American-Style Stout Style

  • Color: Black
  • Clarity: Opaque
  • Perceived Malt Aroma & Flavor: Coffee-like roasted barley and roasted malt aromas are prominent. Low to medium malt sweetness with low to medium caramel, chocolate, and/or roasted coffee flavor should be present, with a distinct dry-roasted bitterness in the finish. Astringency from roasted malt and roasted barley is low. Slight roasted malt acidity is acceptable.
  • Perceived Hop Aroma & Flavor: Medium to high, often with citrusy and/or resiny hop qualities typical of many American hop varieties.
  • Perceived Bitterness: Medium to high
  • Fermentation Characteristics: Fruity esters are low. Diacetyl is usually absent in these beers but may be present at very low levels.
  • Body: Medium to full
  • Additional notes: Head retention should be persistent

American-Style Stout Vital Statistics

  • Original Gravity (°Plato) 1.050-1.075 (12.4-18.2 °Plato)
  • Apparent Extract/Final Gravity (°Plato) 1.010-1.022 (2.6-5.6 °Plato)
  • Alcohol by Weight (Volume) 4.5%-6.4% (5.7%-8.0%)
  • Bitterness (IBU) 35-60
  • Color SRM (EBC) 40+(80+ EBC)

2020 Brewers Association Beer Style Guidelines used with permission of Brewers Association.

Credit: 2020 Brewers Association Beer Style Guidelines – Ale Styles – North American Origin Ale Styles – American-Style Stout