Need some Stout Advice

[PintMan]

I'm looking to brew a stout beer, this will be my first none begginers kit. Any recommendations for a sweet stout with a heavy head. Extract? Specialty Grain? Hops?

Just looking for a direction.

FYI I just popped my cherry with my first post

[S.F.B.]

Let me be the first to say welcome!

I haven't brewed a sweet stout yet. Only dry. So I guess I am not any help there. Sorry. :(

[axis714]

welcome to your addiction...lol
The only advise i have for you is white labs Irish ale yeast ...Of all the stouts ive brewed this seems to be the 1 key ingredient to not save $ on. Also a good crush on the roasted barley...I invested in a grain mill just for this purpose.
Hope your stout rocks!

[ray m]

Welcome, PintMan! I brewed a sweet stout probably going on 3 years ago. I couldn't find the recipe I used if my life depended on it, but I:

a) agree with axis714 on using White Labs Irish Ale yeast---ALWAYS use the liquid yeast (my opinion only---you're able to target the beer style with liquid yeast);

b) use between 1/2 lb. to 1 lb. of lactose powder---if you like a sweet stout like Mackeson's, use closer to 1 lb. (I think). Most recipes you find will stipulate using one of those two amounts.

Good luck!! Oh, and to make sure you made it right, send the batch to me immediately after bottling for a proper analysis;)

[beerturtle]

PintMan, welcome to the forums.

I brewed an all-grain sweet stout about 4 yrs. ago that i could post if you'd like. I'm sure it could be easily converted to extract with steeped grains.