As an expert sommelier and brewer, I can confidently say that while stouts can be made with coffee, not all stouts are considered coffee beers. The term “coffee beer” generally refers to a beer that has been brewed with coffee as an intentional ingredient, resulting in a distinct coffee flavor and aroma. However, stouts can also be made without coffee and still exhibit rich, roasted flavors.
Stouts and coffee have a natural affinity for each other, as both offer complex and bold flavors. The addition of coffee to stouts can enhance and complement the existing roasted flavors, creating a unique and enjoyable drinking experience. The coffee can add layers of bitterness, earthiness, and even a hint of sweetness, depending on the type and roast of the coffee used.
When it comes to brewing a coffee stout, the choice of malt is crucial. Stouts typically use roasted barley, which contributes to their dark color and roasted flavors. On the other hand, coffee porters often use malted barley instead of roasted barley. The malted barley provides a slightly different flavor profile, which can complement the coffee notes in a different way compared to stouts.
Personal experience: I have had the pleasure of brewing and tasting various coffee stouts and porters throughout my career. Each brew had its own unique characteristics, showcasing how the choice of malt can affect the final flavor profile. The stouts brewed with roasted barley tended to have a more pronounced roasted flavor, while the coffee porters brewed with malted barley had a smoother and slightly sweeter taste.
It is worth noting that not all stouts are brewed with coffee. Traditional stouts, such as dry stouts or oatmeal stouts, may not include coffee as an ingredient. These stouts rely solely on the roasted flavors from the malted barley to create their signature taste. However, some breweries have started experimenting with adding coffee to these styles, blurring the lines between coffee stouts and traditional stouts.
While stouts can certainly be brewed with coffee, the presence of coffee does not automatically make a stout a coffee beer. Coffee stouts and coffee porters offer beer enthusiasts the opportunity to enjoy the harmonious combination of two beloved flavors. Whether you prefer the bold and robust flavors of a coffee stout or the slightly sweeter notes of a coffee porter, there is a coffee beer out there to satisfy your taste buds.