BJCP 2021 / 15C
Irish Extra Stout
A bigger, drier and roastier stout than its session-strength cousin.
- Any age
- high strength
- dark color
- top fermented
- british isles
Serve: 46 to 52F, Pint or tulip
OG1.120
1.052 to 1.062FG1.030
1.010 to 1.014IBU120
35 to 50SRM40
30 to 40ABV14%
5.0 to 6.5%Taste it in order
Aroma
12 pts- Strong roasted barley, coffee and dark chocolate
- A little dark fruit
- Low hop
- Vague
- Roasty
- Better
- Coffee, chocolate and roast
- Best
- Moderate-high roasted barley, coffee and dark chocolate aroma, faint dark fruit, low hop
Appearance
3 pts- Black
- Opaque
- Tan to brown head, creamy
- Vague
- Black
- Better
- Black with a tan head
- Best
- Black, opaque, dense tan head that holds well
Flavor
20 pts- Strong coffee and roast
- Dark chocolate and a bit of fruit
- Firm, dry bitter finish
- Vague
- Roasty
- Better
- Roasted coffee and chocolate
- Best
- Moderate-high roasted barley and coffee flavor with dark chocolate, moderate-high bitterness, dry roasty finish
Mouthfeel
5 pts- Medium-full body
- Medium carbonation
- Creamy
- Vague
- Smooth
- Better
- Medium-full and creamy
- Best
- Medium-full body, creamy, medium carbonation, slight warmth
Overall Impression
10 ptsLifts it
- Roast depth with dryness
Drops it
- Burnt notes
- Syrup
Writing tip
Say how roast and bitterness interact. Example: 'Strong coffee and dark chocolate with firm bitterness. Dry and powerful.'
Pour these
- Extra StoutGuinnessAssertive roast and a firm bitter finish
- O'Hara's Irish StoutCarlow BrewingDry, roasted and coffee-like
Often confused with
- 15B Irish StoutIrish Stout is lighter in body and alcohol
- 16D Foreign Extra StoutForeign Extra Stout has more sweetness and fruit
Fine here
- Alcoholic: A light warmth fits
Ruinous here
- Astringent: Harsh roast tannin
- Oxidized: Stale
Style names, numbers and vital statistics follow the BJCP 2021 beer guidelines. Descriptions and example choices are our own. Check a beer is still made before you hunt for it.