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International Stout Day celebrates the beloved dark beer style every first Thursday of November. Developed from porters in the 1700s, stouts are known for their strong, robust flavors. Gather your friends, visit a local brewery, or try brewing your own stout to join the celebration.
Want to sponsor International Stout Day? Learn how
Expected International Stout Day Deals
While we wait for official 2027 promotions to drop, history shows that International Stout Day often brings exciting deals from breweries and pubs. Expect local craft breweries like Sierra Nevada and Left Hand Brewing to offer special stout releases or tasting flights. Major brands such as Guinness and Samuel Adams may feature promotions at bars and restaurants. Retailers like Total Wine & More and BevMo! could highlight stout selections with discounts. Keep an eye out for limited-edition stout-infused foods from specialty shops. We will update this page with confirmed live deals as November 4 approaches.
Platform Guide for International Stout Day
Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #InternationalStoutDay. Share photos of your favorite stout, a new tasting experience, or a stout-infused recipe.
TikTok
Tag @www.nationaltoday.com and use #InternationalStoutDay. Film a quick review of a unique stout, showcase a stout and food pairing, or demonstrate a homebrewing tip.
Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #InternationalStoutDay. Share local brewery events, invite friends to a virtual tasting, or post about your favorite stout facts.
International Stout Day Hero
Arthur Guinness
History of International Stout Day
First — a note on the (subtle) difference between stouts and porters: According to VinePair: “The only main difference many brewers still agree on is the kind of malt that should be used to brew each type of beer. Porters use malted barley and stouts are primarily made from unmalted roasted barley, which is where the coffee flavor most people associate with stout comes from.”
Porters started in London during the early 1720s. The style attracted lots of beer drinkers (especially porters) with it’s strong flavor and ability to stay fresh longer. The cheaper price also helped. English breweries exported large volumes to Ireland; by 1776 it was being brewed by Arthur Guinness at his St. James’s Gate Brewery. The beer gained its customary black color in the following century through the use of black patent malt, and became stronger in flavor.
The first stouts were produced in the 1730s. The Russian Imperial Stout was inspired by brewers back in the 1800s to win over the Russian Czar. “Imperial porter” came before “imperial stout” and the earliest noted use of “Imperial” to describe a beer came in 1821.
The adjective stout meant “proud” or “brave”, but it eventually took on the connotation of “strong”. The first known use of the word stout for beer occurred in 1677. The expression stout porter appeared during the 18th century. Stout applied to any beer as long as it was strong. (For example, in the UK, one might find “stout pale ale.” Only later did stout become synonymous with dark beer.
Stouts come in many varieties today — including “milk,” “oatmeal,” and even “chocolate” — although these specific ingredients don’t always appear in the brew itself. But they sure sound good.
International Stout Day timeline
Stouts are differentiated from porters through the use of unmalted roasted barley.
Guinness brews its first stouts, which are now the most popular in the world.
Stouts are finally given their due credit and recognition.
According to its Louisiana brewery, “The beer has a roasted and smoky flavor from the roux and barley, accentuated by salt, cayenne, and black peppers.”
How Businesses Can Celebrate International Stout Day
Local businesses can celebrate International Stout Day by hosting special events and promotions. Pubs and bars can offer stout tasting flights, feature guest taps from local breweries, or create unique stout cocktails. Restaurants might develop special food pairings, such as beef and stout stew or chocolate stout desserts. Craft beer stores can organize in-store tastings, highlight a curated selection of stouts, or offer discounts on stout purchases. Breweries can release limited-edition stouts, host behind-the-scenes tours, or collaborate with local food trucks for a festive event.
International Stout Day FAQs
When is International Stout Day?
International Stout Day 2026 falls on Thursday, November 5. This annual observance is held on the first Thursday of November, inviting stout enthusiasts worldwide to raise a glass to this rich beer style.
How many types of stout are there?
There are numerous types of stout, each with distinct characteristics. Popular styles include Dry Stout (like Guinness), Sweet or Milk Stout (with lactose), Oatmeal Stout (for a smoother mouthfeel), Imperial Stout (high alcohol, rich flavor), and American Stout (hoppier).
How popular is stout beer?
Stout beer enjoys significant popularity globally, particularly in countries like Ireland and the UK, and has a strong following within the craft beer scene in the US. While not the largest segment, its unique flavor profile ensures a dedicated and growing consumer base.
What is the difference between a stout and a porter?
Historically, stouts were stronger ‘stout porters.’ Today, the distinction is often blurred, but porters typically use malted barley, while stouts emphasize roasted barley, giving them a more pronounced roasted, coffee-like flavor and darker color. Porters can sometimes be lighter-bodied.
International Stout Day Activities
Drink a Guinness
What better way to celebrate International Stout Day than with the world’s most famous stout? Since the early 1800s, Guinness has been making their world famous stout. And while it may take years to refine the perfect pour, it only takes minutes to drink the perfect stout.
Drink a stout sampler
Say you’re new to stouts. With so many brands and varieties, it may be a little daunting to find out which stout is right for you. Luckily, many bars now offer beer flights — a tray of small portions of different kinds of beers. For the homebodies among us, you can also create your own stout variety six-pack at your local liquor store.
Make your own stout
Home brewing is all the rage these days, and a great way to celebrate International Stout Day is by creating your very own Frankenstout. Home brewed stouts make perfect gifts, and they're a great way to impress your friends when it’s your turn to host. And don’t worry — for home brewing beginners, there are many different stout-brewing kits available to make the process a little easier.
Why We Love International Stout Day
Stouts are classic
The stout as we know it today is like the little brother of the porter, which dates back to the Industrial Revolution. The word “stout” took on the meaning of strong in the 14th century and was applied to porters that were, well, strong. In the 1730s, the stout came into its own and was forever differentiated from porters through the addition of unmalted (instead of malted) roasted barley. So, in summary, stouts are older than the U.S. so respect your elders and grab a refreshing stout.
Stouts are delicious
Stouts typically have a strong, roasted malt flavor and often contain notes of dark chocolate, coffee, caramel, and licorice. Stouts usually are on the thicker and creamier side of beers, which make them somewhat hefty and substantial.
Stouts are good for you?
Well, not really. In the early 20th century, stouts, and Guinness in particular, were thought to be nutritious. Blood donors, people who had just undergone surgery, and pregnant women were often advised by doctors to have a pint of Guinness. Hey, it was a different time.
International Stout Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | November 6 | Thursday |
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