November 7th is International Stout Day #StoutDay and even thought its past David has been doing so much for me to help me get ready for the Holidays I was thinking I might take David to a Brewery where he can taste Stout and see how its made. Would you like to go with us?
If you didn’t have the opportunity to celebrate this year make sure you mare your calendar for next year to remind yourself International Stout Day is celebrated on the first Thursday in November each year. Then you can celebrate International Stout Day with your loved ones.
Did you know Stouts, developed from Porters in the 1700s, which have become some of the most beloved Beers in many different Nations. So beloved, in fact, that on November 3rd, 2011, Stouts were given the recognition they deserve with the advent of the first International Stout Day. Like the name implies, Stouts are typically strong and robust in flavor and, although Stouts may be hard to chug, a Stout is the perfect Beer for sipping and savoring.
First a note on the (subtle) difference between Stouts and Porters: According to VinePair: “The only main difference many Brewers still agree on is the kind of Malt that should be used to brew each type of Beer. Porters use Malted Barley and Stouts are primarily made from Unmalted Roasted Barley, which is where the Coffee flavor most people associate with Stout comes from.”
Porters started in London during the early 1720s. The style attracted lots of Beer drinkers (especially Porters) with it’s strong flavor and ability to stay fresh longer. The cheaper price also helped. English Breweries exported large volumes to Ireland; by 1776 it was being brewed by Arthur Guinness at his St. James’s Gate Brewery. The Beer gained its customary black color in the following Century through the use of black patent Malt, and became stronger in flavor.
The first Stouts were produced in the 1730s. The Russian Imperial Stout was inspired by Brewers back in the 1800s to win over the Russian Czar. “Imperial Porter” came before “Imperial Stout” and the earliest noted use of “Imperial” to describe a Beer came in 1821.
Here is a fun fact for you. The adjective Stout meant “proud” or “brave”, but it eventually took on the connotation of “strong”. The first known use of the word Stout for Beer occurred in 1677. The expression Stout Porter appeared during the 18th Century. Stout applied to any Beer as long as it was strong. (For example, in the UK, one might find “Stout Pale Ale.” Only later did Stout become synonymous with Dark Beer.
Stouts come in many varieties today including “Milk,” “Oatmeal,” and even “Chocolate”. Although these specific ingredients don’t always appear in the Brew itself. But they sure sound good. Don’t they? Which one would you like to have and why? I believe I will pass on all of them but knowing David would love them all of them.
International Stout Day Activities
- There is no better way to celebrate International Stout Day than with the world’s most famous Stout? Since the early 1800s, Guinness has been making their world famous Stout. And while it may take years to refine the perfect pour, it only takes minutes to drink the perfect Stout.
- If you’re new to Stouts with so many brands and varieties, it may be a little daunting to find out which Stout is right for you. Luckily, many Bars now offer Beer Flights, Which is a tray of small portions of different kinds of Beers. For the homebodies among us, you can also create your own Stout variety six-pack at your local liquor store and invite friends and family to your home to have a Flight with you.
- People know home brewing is all the rage these days, and a great way to celebrate International Stout Day is by creating your very own Frankenstout. Home brewed Stouts make perfect gifts, and they’re a great way to impress your friends when it’s your turn to host. Don’t worry for home brewing beginners, there are many different Stout-brewing kits available to make the process a little easier.
Why People Love International Stout Day
In the early 20th Century, Stouts, and Guinness in particular, were thought to be nutritious. Blood donors, and people who had just undergone surgery, and pregnant women were often advised by doctors to have a pint of Guinness.
Stout as we know it today is like the little brother of the Porter, which dates back to the Industrial Revolution. The word “Stout” took on the meaning of strong in the 14th Century and was applied to Porters that were, well, strong.
In the 1730s, the Stout came into its own and was forever differentiated from Porters through the addition of Unmalted (instead of Malted) Roasted Barley. In summary, Stouts are older than the U.S. so respect your elders and grab a refreshing Stout.
Stouts usually are on the thicker and creamier side of Beers, which make them somewhat hefty and substantial.
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David cates
