Upcoming Competition 28-05-11: Category 13E. American Stout

[JoKing]

Big ups to Hallertau for hosting us again... and massive congrats to Greig for taking out the last comp - great work my man.

 

The next category is one I am excited about - and I'm looking forward to putting one of these suckers down. The date is up for discussion, however it is traditionally the last Saturday of every 3rd month.

13E. American Stout

 

Aroma: Moderate to strong aroma of roasted malts, often having a roasted coffee or dark chocolate quality. Burnt or charcoal aromas are low to none. Medium to very low hop aroma, often with a citrusy or resiny American hop character. Esters are optional, but can be present up to medium intensity. Light alcohol-derived aromatics are also optional. No diacetyl.

Appearance: Generally a jet black color, although some may appear very dark brown. Large, persistent head of light tan to light brown in color. Usually opaque.

Flavor: Moderate to very high roasted malt flavors, often tasting of coffee, roasted coffee beans, dark or bittersweet chocolate. May have a slightly burnt coffee ground flavor, but this character should not be prominent if present. Low to medium malt sweetness, often with rich chocolate or caramel flavors. Medium to high bitterness. Hop flavor can be low to high, and generally reflects citrusy or resiny American varieties. Light esters may be present but are not required. Medium to dry finish, occasionally with a light burnt quality. Alcohol flavors can be present up to medium levels, but smooth. No diacetyl.

Mouthfeel: Medium to full body. Can be somewhat creamy, particularly if a small amount of oats have been used to enhance mouthfeel. Can have a bit of roast-derived astringency, but this character should not be excessive. Medium-high to high carbonation. Light to moderately strong alcohol warmth, but smooth and not excessively hot.

Overall Impression: A hoppy, bitter, strongly roasted Foreign-style Stout (of the export variety).

Comments: Breweries express individuality through varying the roasted malt profile, malt sweetness and flavor, and the amount of finishing hops used. Generally has bolder roasted malt flavors and hopping than other traditional stouts (except Imperial Stouts).

Ingredients: Common American base malts and yeast. Varied use of dark and roasted malts, as well as caramel-type malts. Adjuncts such as oatmeal may be present in low quantities. American hop varieties.

Vital Statistics:	OG: 1.050 – 1.075
IBUs: 35 – 75	FG: 1.010 – 1.022
SRM: 30 – 40	ABV: 5 – 7%

Commercial Examples: Rogue Shakespeare Stout, Deschutes Obsidian Stout, Sierra Nevada Stout, North Coast Old No. 38, Bar Harbor Cadillac Mountain Stout, Avery Out of Bounds Stout, Lost Coast 8 Ball Stout, Mad River Steelhead Extra Stout

[Greig McGill]

Sweet! Can't wait. No way I'm missing another one. Nobody die or get married, please. Thanks. ;)

[Danimal]

Count me in.

 

I've just moved back from Melbourne and this will be my first competition beer in 2 years... what a way to get back into it!

 

[JoKing]

I'm definately not missing this at all. Infact - if my brew schedule isn't too cluttered, I might brew a full "commercial" batch and bring a keg along.

 

I have missed too many - and do not want to keep missing out.

[Martin Bridges]

I'm already making room on the brew schedule for this one. Looking forward to it.

[Andrew]

Hell yeah, I had an imperial stout planned for this weekend, a few tweaks and I'll have my competition entry sorted. I've a feeling Brew Sci and Haish have beem schemeing this one for a bit so I wouldn't be suprised if they have something up thier sleeves. Haish's CS Earthquake Porter was great so I expect some stiff competition, and a pickled livers and headaches if people start bringing kegs......

[Matt]

Nothing preempted, was just keen for something brown... and hoppy... 

But your correct the Earthquake Porter was strong inspiration :)

[Reviled]

I think I know what you're going to brew Martin!! If it turns out the same as last time, and you serve it through the handpump, let me know cos I won't even bother to enter ;o) haha

[Greig McGill]

Shall we team up to crush that smug Bridges prick, Rev? ;) Rev and Macca's Black Hole Sun!

[Martin Bridges]

I've got nothing to be smug about mate, never brewed anything that came close in the WBC. Mind you, I was happy to drink your winnings yesterday :)

[Dunc]

Do entrants need to be from the 'West'?

[JoKing]

Anywhere in Auckland is fine. Entrants need to be there though - mail order is OK... however it was passed that if the winning beer was via mail then the winnings would go on the bar.

[Andrew]

If all the entrants were from the west every comp would be Bourbon and Coke ;P