International Stout Day

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

1730s

Stouts are Born from Porters

Stouts are differentiated from porters through the use of unmalted roasted barley.

1840s

Guinness Begins Brewing

Guinness brews its first stouts, which are now the most popular in the world.

November 3, 2011

First International Stout Day Held

Stouts are finally given their due credit and recognition.

2019

“Gumbo Stout”

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.”

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.