Milk stout, also known as sweet stout, is a style of beer that is characterized by its creamy and smooth texture. It is brewed using lactose, a type of sugar derived from milk, which gives the beer its distinct sweetness. However, despite its name, milk stout does indeed contain alcohol.
Most milk stouts, except for imperial stouts, typically have an alcohol content ranging from 4% to 6% ABV. This puts them on the lower end of the alcohol spectrum compared to other beer styles. For instance, popular milk stouts like Lancaster Milk Stout have an ABV of 5.2%, while Lefthand Milk Stout clocks in at 5.3%. Even Samuel Adams Cream Stout, another well-known milk stout, has an ABV of 4.7%.
The use of lactose in milk stouts adds sweetness and body to the beer, creating a rich and velvety mouthfeel. Lactose is a non-fermentable sugar, meaning that the yeast used in the brewing process cannot consume it and convert it into alcohol. This is why milk stouts tend to have a higher residual sweetness compared to other beer styles.
It's worth noting that higher gravity beers, which have a higher concentration of fermentable sugars, might not work as well with lactose. The additional sugars from the lactose could potentially result in an overly sweet and unbalanced beer. Therefore, milk stouts are typically brewed within a specific range of alcohol content to ensure a harmonious flavor profile.
In my experience as a brewer, I have found that milk stouts can be incredibly enjoyable to drink. The combination of the smooth texture, subtle sweetness, and moderate alcohol content makes them a great option for those who prefer a milder beer. They are often described as being “sessionable,” meaning that you can enjoy a few without feeling overwhelmed by their alcohol content.
Milk stouts do contain alcohol, although they tend to have a lower ABV compared to other beer styles. The use of lactose in the brewing process adds sweetness and body to the beer, resulting in a unique and enjoyable drinking experience. So, if you're looking for a creamy and slightly sweet beer with a moderate alcohol content, milk stouts are definitely worth a try.