International Stout Day
Raise a glass to International Stout Day - get your favorite brews and let the good times flow!
Yearly DateFirst Thursday in Nov
TypeDay
ClassObservance
Category
Food & Beverage
Country
International
Introduction
Grab your favorite pint glass and get ready to embrace the dark side! International Stout Day is the ultimate celebration for fans of the bold, the roasty, and the creamy. Whether you are a die-hard craft beer lover or just someone looking to discover the rich flavors of chocolate, coffee, and toasted malt, this day is all about honoring one of the world's most iconic beer styles. From smooth milk stouts to heavy-hitting imperials, it is time to pour a glass, share a toast with friends, and appreciate the craftsmanship behind every dark drop. Cheers to the brew that’s as deep as the midnight sky!
🍺 International Stout Day Countdown
Thursday
5
November 2026
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International Stout Day Timeline
18th Century
Stout's Origin
Originating in England, the term "stout" was used to describe the strongest and boldest porters, which would eventually evolve into its own style of beer.
1759
Guinness Establishes Brewery
Arthur Guinness established the St. James's Gate Brewery in Dublin, Ireland. This brewery would become famous for its Guinness Stout.
19th Century
Rise of Irish Stouts
During the 1800s, Irish stouts started to take form separate from English porters and stouts, featuring a dry character and signature roast flavors.
1975
Craft Beer Movement
Stouts gained popularity in North America with the beginning of the craft beer movement, which saw breweries experimenting with a range of flavors and techniques.
2011
First International Stout Day
The first International Stout Day was celebrated, establishing an annual day to enjoy and appreciate the rich and diverse world of stouts.
How to Celebrate International Stout Day
1
Go to a brewery
Take a trip to your local brewery and sample some of their delicious stouts. Many breweries offer beer tastings or tours that provide an in-depth look into the brewing process.
2
Cook with stout
Stout can be used to make a variety of dishes. Try incorporating stout into a beef stew or marinating steak in stout beer. You can even bake with stout to create delicious desserts like chocolate cake or brownies.
3
Brew your own stout
Brewing your own stout may seem intimidating, but with the right equipment and ingredients, it can be a rewarding experience. Try out a simple recipe and see how your homemade stout turns out.
4
Host a Stout tasting party
Invite friends over for an evening of tasting different types of stouts. Ask each guest to bring a different kind of stout and compare them all. Have fun rating each beer on aroma, body, and taste.
5
Pair stout with food
Try pairing different foods with different stouts. Stout beers pair well with dark chocolate, roasted meats, and sharp cheeses. Experiment with different flavors and find what works best for you.
Why We Love International Stout Day
A
Stout is great for cooking
In addition to drinking it, stout can be used as an ingredient in all sorts of recipes. Use it in place of stock when making soups and stews, or mix it into marinades for juicy steaks and tender roasts. And don't forget the desserts - replacing some (or all!) of the liquid when baking a cake can give it an amazing depth of flavor!
B
Stout is rich and flavorful
Stouts are dark and full of flavor - a single sip will reveal notes of chocolate, coffee, toffee, and caramel. They pair perfectly with all sorts of food, from hearty, savory dishes like meatloaf or prime rib to desserts like ice cream or chocolate cake.
C
Stout is traditionally brewed
Unlike many other beers which are mass produced in large factories, stouts are still traditionally brewed in small batches which allows for more control over the beer's flavor and quality. Plus, the long maturation process adds complexity and character that you just won't find in other beers!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is International Stout Day?
It is a global celebration of the dark, roasted beer style known as stout, bringing together breweries and fans worldwide.
When is International Stout Day?
We raise our glasses to this dark delight on the first Thursday of November, which falls on Nov 5th, Thursday, 2026 this time around.
Why do we celebrate this day?
It was created to honor the rich history and diverse flavor profiles of stout beers and to support local craft breweries.
What makes a beer a stout?
Stouts are characterized by their dark color and flavors of roasted malt, often reminding drinkers of coffee, cocoa, or caramel.
What is the difference between a stout and a porter?
While very similar, stouts are generally brewed with roasted unmalted barley, giving them a sharper, coffee-like finish compared to porters.
How should I celebrate International Stout Day?
The best way to celebrate is by visiting a local brewery, trying a new stout variety, or sharing a bottle with friends.
What are the best foods to pair with a stout?
Stouts pair amazingly with oysters, grilled meats, and rich desserts like chocolate cake or brownies.
What is an Imperial Stout?
An Imperial Stout is a stronger, bolder version of the style, often featuring higher alcohol content and more intense flavors.
Is stout always served cold?
While it should be chilled, many experts suggest letting a stout warm up slightly to room temperature to unlock its complex aromas.
Why is the foam on a stout usually tan or brown?
The creamy head gets its color from the highly roasted malts used in the brewing process.
Can I find gluten-free stouts?
Yes, many craft breweries now use alternative grains like sorghum or millet to create delicious gluten-free versions of dark beers.
What is a Milk Stout?
A milk stout is brewed with lactose, a sugar derived from milk that adds sweetness and a creamy mouthfeel to the beer.
What kind of glass is best for a stout?
A tulip glass or a traditional pint glass is perfect for capturing the aromas and supporting the thick head of a stout.
Who started International Stout Day?
It was founded in 2011 by beer writer Erin Peters, also known as The Beer Goddess, to unite dark beer fans globally.
Top Emojis for International Stout Day
🍺
Classic Pint Vibes
This is the go-to symbol for any beer lover looking to share their current pour with the world.
🍻
Cheers to Stout
Use this to show you are celebrating with friends and enjoying the social side of craft beer.
🌑
The Dark Side
A perfect way to represent the deep, opaque, and beautiful midnight color of a classic stout.
☕
Roasted Notes
Since many stouts feature heavy coffee and espresso flavors, this emoji fits the flavor profile perfectly.
🍫
Sweet Chocolate Stout
Ideal for describing those creamy milk stouts that taste just like a liquid chocolate dessert.
🖤
Stout Passion
Show your genuine love for dark beer by using this heart that matches the color of your drink.
International Stout Day Dates
Year
Date
Day
2025
Nov 6
Thursday
2026
Nov 5
Thursday
2027
Nov 4
Thursday
2028
Nov 2
Thursday
2029
Nov 1
Thursday
