The Irish stout can compete with its English version, sweet stout. In other countries, it is also known as a “milk” or “cream” stout, but such names are not allowed in England. The difference between these rather similar varieties is that the English version is made with chocolate malt instead of roasted unmalted barley. Lactose, unfermented by yeast, gives the drink a sweet-creamy taste.

The reason that the drink quickly became known as “milk stout” is the presence of lactose in its composition. To prevent fermentation, it is always pasteurized. The beer has a light aroma of roasted grains, sometimes with hints of chocolate or coffee. For many people, the drink tastes like sweetened espresso. Its density varies from 11% to 14%, and the percentage of alcohol can be 4.5-6%.