BJCP 2021 / 16C

Tropical Stout

A strong, sweet, fruity stout designed for warm climates.

Any age
high strength
dark color
top fermented
british isles

Serve: 48 to 54F, Pint or snifter

OG1.120

1.056 to 1.075

FG1.030

1.010 to 1.018

IBU120

30 to 50

SRM40

30 to 40

ABV14%

5.5 to 8.0%

Taste it in order

Aroma

12 pts

Roast, coffee, molasses and dark fruit
Tropical fruit-like esters
Warm alcohol

Vague: Roasty
Better: Coffee, molasses and fruit
Best: Moderate-high roast, coffee and molasses aroma with dark and tropical fruit esters, light alcohol warmth

Appearance

3 pts

Black
Opaque
Tan head

Vague: Black
Better: Black with a tan head
Best: Black, opaque, tan head with moderate retention

Flavor

20 pts

Sweet roast, coffee and dark fruit
Rich and fruity
Low to moderate bitterness, sweet finish

Vague: Sweet
Better: Sweet roast and dark fruit
Best: Moderate-high roast and coffee with sweet molasses and dark fruit, low bitterness, sweet warming finish

Mouthfeel

5 pts

Medium-full to full body
Medium carbonation
Smooth and warming

Vague: Smooth
Better: Full and warm
Best: Medium-full to full body, smooth, gentle alcohol warmth, medium carbonation

Overall Impression

10 pts

Lifts it

Fruity depth with roast

Drops it

Cloying sweetness
Hot alcohol

Writing tip

Say how the sweetness is handled. Example: 'Sweet roast and tropical fruit with warm finish. Rich without harshness.'

Pour these

Lion StoutLion BrewerySweet, roasty, fruity and strong
Dragon StoutDesnoes & GeddesSweet molasses and soft roast

Often confused with

16D Foreign Extra StoutForeign Extra Stout is drier and more bitter
20C Imperial StoutImperial Stout is bigger and more hoppy

Fine here

Estery: Fruity esters define the style
Alcoholic: A warming note is fine

Ruinous here

Solvent: Hot fusel alcohol
Astringent: Harsh roast

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.