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Recipe Kit The Famous Irish Stout
The Famous Irish Stout is a classic dry Irish stout, dark and roasty with the coffee and chocolate character fans of Guinness will know straight away.
Makes 20L , about 27 bottles
4.8% ABV , The Famous Irish Stout
Extract
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Recipe Kit The Famous Irish Stout
Sale price$74.90
The details
Dry Irish stout is all about roasted malt rather than sweetness, and this recipe nails that balance. The roast is rich without turning harsh, the lactose softens the edges, and the process is straightforward enough that you do not need to be an experienced dark ale brewer to brew a great one.
The Famous Irish Stout is a classic dry Irish stout, dark and roasty with the coffee and chocolate character fans of Guinness will know straight away. Built on dark malts and roasted black malt with a touch of lactose for balance, it pours deep and dark but drinks smooth and medium bodied. It is a cornerstone of the AHB range and an easy one to get right.
What it is like to brew
Dry Irish stout is all about roasted malt rather than sweetness, and this recipe nails that balance. The roast is rich without turning harsh, the lactose softens the edges, and the process is straightforward enough that you do not need to be an experienced dark ale brewer to brew a great one.
Why this kit works
- Roasted black malt for authentic coffee and chocolate dry stout character
- A touch of lactose for a smoother, balanced finish
- Medium bodied and very drinkable despite the dark appearance
- Ferments at room temperature, beginner friendly process
When it makes sense
The kit to brew if you love Guinness and want a faithful home version. A reliable first dark beer, and a dependable house stout for experienced brewers.
Specifications
| Style | Dry Irish stout |
|---|---|
| ABV | 4.8% |
| IBU | 35 |
| Colour (EBC) | 90 |
| Original gravity | 1.050 |
| Final gravity | 1.016 |
| Fermentation temp | 18 to 22 C (ale yeast) |
| Batch volume | 21 litres |
| Difficulty | Beginner friendly |
| Ready to drink | About 4 to 6 weeks |
What's in the box
- Dark malt extract base (the fermentable base that becomes the beer)
- Roasted black malt (for coffee, chocolate and dark colour)
- Lactose (softens and balances the roast)
- Ale yeast (ferments the sugars and sets the dry finish)
- Step-by-step brew day instructions with weights and timings
Flavour profile
- Appearance: Deep dark, near black, with a tan head
- Aroma: Roasted coffee and dark chocolate
- Flavour: Roasty and dry, rich without harshness
- Mouthfeel: Smooth and medium bodied
- Finish: Clean, dry and roasty
Hamish's verdict
For the full Guinness effect, serve it on nitro if you can. A stout tap and a nitro setup give you that tight creamy head and smooth pour. Even on standard CO2 and bottles though, this is a genuinely good dry stout that drinks well above its effort level.
Reviewed by the AHB Brewing Team, June 2026. Last updated June 2026.
What's In The Kit
- Dark malt extract base: the fermentable base that becomes the beer
- Roasted black malt: for coffee, chocolate and dark colour
- Lactose: softens and balances the roast
- Ale yeast: ferments the sugars and sets the dry finish
- Step-by-step brew day instructions with weights and timings
Brew Specs
- Style: Dry Irish stout
- ABV: 4.8%
- IBU: 35
- Colour (EBC): 90
- Original gravity: 1.050
- Final gravity: 1.016
- Fermentation temp: 18 to 22 C (ale yeast)
- Batch volume: 21 litres
- Difficulty: Beginner friendly
- Ready to drink: About 4 to 6 weeks
Flavour Profile
Appearance: Deep dark, near black, with a tan head
Aroma: Roasted coffee and dark chocolate
Flavour: Roasty and dry, rich without harshness
Mouthfeel: Smooth and medium bodied
Finish: Clean, dry and roasty
Aroma: Roasted coffee and dark chocolate
Flavour: Roasty and dry, rich without harshness
Mouthfeel: Smooth and medium bodied
Finish: Clean, dry and roasty
Who it's for
The kit to brew if you love Guinness and want a faithful home version. A reliable first dark beer, and a dependable house stout for experienced brewers.
Buying from us
Quick answers
Questions about this product, shipping and orders. See the FAQ page for more topics.
Customer support:
Monday to Friday, 9-4pm AEST.We normally get back to you within a day—often sooner.
Monday to Friday, 9-4pm AEST.We normally get back to you within a day—often sooner.
Is this like Guinness?
Yes, it is a dry Irish stout built to capture the roasted coffee and chocolate character Guinness is known for. It is an independent recipe, not affiliated with or endorsed by the brand. For the closest match, serve it on nitro for that creamy head.
Is this stout sweet or dry?
It is a dry stout. The small lactose addition softens and balances the roast rather than making it sweet, so the finish stays clean and dry like a classic Irish stout.
Do I need temperature control to brew this stout?
No. This is an ale and ferments well at room temperature (around 18 to 22 degrees C, up to 23 for this kit), so you do not need a temperature-controlled fridge.
How long should I condition a stout before drinking?
Allow 1 to 2 weeks to ferment, then give it a few weeks of conditioning. Stouts genuinely improve with age, and 4 to 6 weeks total lets the roast mellow and the body smooth out.
How much beer does this kit make?
It makes 21 litres, which is roughly 28 longneck bottles (750ml) or about 55 stubbies (330ml).
What equipment do I need to brew this kit?
A fermenter with lid and airlock, a no-rinse sanitiser, a thermometer, a hydrometer, and bottles or a keg for packaging. Our starter equipment kits include everything you need.
Customer support:
Monday to Friday, 9-4pm AEST.We normally get back to you within a day—often sooner.
Monday to Friday, 9-4pm AEST.We normally get back to you within a day—often sooner.
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