Dark, roasty, and deeply satisfying, The Famous Irish Stout is one of those recipes that wins people over the moment they pour their first glass. Built around a generous addition of dark malts and roasted black malt, this dry Irish stout delivers the coffee-and-chocolate character that fans of the style know and love — with a smooth, full finish that keeps you reaching for another. A touch of lactose enhances the balance, and the medium body makes it incredibly drinkable despite its dark appearance. If you love Ireland's best loved stout – Guinness - you will be wrapped with this beer.

The Famous Irish Stout has been a cornerstone of our recipe range for years, and it’s easy to see why. The roasty malt character is rich without being harsh, the body is smooth and approachable, and the kit comes together with a straightforward process that makes the experience enjoyable from start to finish. You don’t need to be an experienced dark ale brewer to nail this one — the recipe is dialled in, the instructions are clear, and the result consistently impresses.

 

What’s in the Box?

Everything you need to brew 20 litres of dry Irish stout is included: a hopped dark malt extract kit, dark malted grain additions (including roasted black malt), lactose, and an ale yeast strain suited to the style. Full step-by-step brew day instructions with all measurements are included in the box.

 

Brewing Notes

• Style: Dry Irish Stout
• Fermentation Range: 15 - 20°C
• Colour EBC: 55+ Opaque black
• IBUs: 40 roasted malt bitterness
• Original Gravity: 1.052 – 1.056
• Final Gravity: 1.015 – 1.020
• ABV: 4.8 %
• Volume 20lt
• Recipe Style: Malt Extract Beer Kit with added malted grain & licorice extract

Tasting Notes

• Aroma & Flavour: Roasty malt character with chocolate & coffee notes
• Appearance: Black, opaque with a dense tan head
• Mouthfeel: Full, smooth & creamy with a mild roasty astringency on the finish

  Perfect For

• Anyone who loves a dark, roasty pint and wants to brew it fresh at home
• Cooler months when a hearty, warming beer hits the spot
• Brewers wanting to explore the dark ale category with a proven, trusted recipe

FAQ's

What style of beer is this kit?The Famous Irish Stout is a dry Irish stout — the same classic style as the world’s most famous dark pint. It’s characterised by roasty malt bitterness, a dry finish, and a smooth, creamy body rather than sweetness.

How much beer does this kit make?

This kit produces approximately 20 litres, which is enough to fill around 26 x 750ml longnecks or 55 x 330ml stubbies.

What equipment do I need to brew this kit?

You’ll need a fermenter with a lid and airlock, a sanitiser (no-rinse sanitiser is ideal), a thermometer, a hydrometer, and bottles with caps. If you’re new to home brewing, our starter equipment kits include everything you need.

How long does it take from brew day to drinking?

Allow around 2 weeks in the fermenter, then a further 1–2 weeks conditioning in the bottle for carbonation to develop. Dark beers like stouts can Definitely  benefit from a bit of extra bottle time, which tends to smooth and round out the flavour.

Is this kit suitable for someone new to home brewing?

Absolutely. The Famous Irish Stout is a malt extract kit with a straightforward process — there’s no complicated grain mashing involved. Someone new to home brewing will find it very achievable, and the results are genuinely impressive.