Stouts hold a unique place in the world of beer. Known for their dark, roasted flavors and velvety texture, they’re a favorite among those who love a beer with depth and character. At Saucy Brew Works, we’ve embraced the stout’s versatility with creations that range from rich and robust to delightfully unexpected. Let’s take a closer look at what makes stouts so special, explore the difference between a traditional stout and a white stout, and highlight a few of our beloved brews.
What is a Stout?
Stouts trace their origins to porters, the darker beers popularized in 18th-century England. Over time, “stout” became a term for stronger, more robust porters, and eventually evolved into its own distinct category. Classic stouts are characterized by their dark color, roasted malt flavors, and notes of coffee, chocolate, and caramel. But they are more than just one-dimensional. They can range from dry and bitter (like Irish stouts) to rich and sweet (like pastry stouts), proving there’s a stout for every palate.
While traditional stouts are celebrated for their dark, almost black hues, white stouts flip the script. Despite the name, white stouts aren’t actually “white.” Instead, they’re lighter in color, often golden or pale amber, and achieve stout-like flavors through creative brewing techniques. Rather than relying on roasted malts for coffee and chocolate notes, white stouts use ingredients like coffee, cocoa nibs, or vanilla to mimic the profile of a traditional stout. The result is a beer that delivers the same rich, indulgent flavors in a lighter, more surprising package.
One example of this innovation is Cake In The Mash Tun, Saucy Brew Works’ Imperial Red Velvet Inspired white stout that’s as delicious as it is unexpected. Brewed with real cake added to the mash, this decadent treat delivers layers of velvety sweetness with chocolate, vanilla, and marshmallow balanced by a subtle roasted malt backbone – it challenges everything you think you know about this style. We tossed real cake into the mash, because why not? This unique addition gives the stout an authentic cake-like quality that blends perfectly with creamy vanilla and chocolate notes. It’s ruby hue and frosting-like head make this a dangerously tasty treat. Crack open a can of Cake In The Mash Tun to enjoy all dessert flavors of a red velvet cake minus the crumbs.
