Mike continues his pursuit of brewing beers with big flavor and low alcohol. This time, he’s emptying his grain bins to come up with this recipe for you. This low ABV American Stout is rich with roast-y notes and strong hop bitterness. Watch this video to learn more.

Empty The Grain Bill Stout Recipe

Mike brews for his system. This is a recipe for a 3.5 gallon batch.

Grains:
30% Golden Promise Malt
25% Pale Malt
17% Flaked Barley
3% Roasted Barley
10% Crisp Black Malt
4% Crisp Chocolate Malt
6% Crystal Malt 50° L
6% Crystal Malt 80° L

Hops:
1 ounce of East Kent Goldings added with 60 minutes to go in the boil
1 ounce of Willamette added with 10 minutes to go in the boil

Yeast:
1 packet of LalBrew Nottingham Ale Yeast

Outcomes:
Original Gravity: 1.040
Final Gravity: 1.015
ABV: around 4.5%.

The Lowdown on the Low ABV American Stout

Appearance:
The stout pours with a deep, opaque darkness. It boasts a creamy beige head that complements the color.

Aroma:
We found notes of milk chocolate and s’mores on the nose. There’s a subtle hint of roasted malt, promising a robust flavor experience.

Mouthfeel:
With a medium body, the beer offers a satisfying mouthfeel that is neither too heavy nor too light. It carries a smooth texture making quite drinkable and yet providing substance to the palate.

Flavor:
The dominant flavor profile is one of roastiness, with the roasted barley taking center stage. It is complemented by a mild caramel sweetness, adding depth and complexity to the brew. Balanced hop bitterness provides a pleasant contrast to the rich malt character.

Overall Impression:
With the low ABV, the stout presents itself as an easy-drinking yet flavorful brew. Mike cleaned out his grain bins and hit upon something magical.

BREW ON!