Which flavor characteristics are commonly found in a Sweet Stout?

Sweet Stouts are known for their rich, creamy texture and robust flavor profile, which often includes notes from roasted grains, coffee, and chocolate malt. The presence of roasted grain contributes to the overall dark character and depth of flavor, while coffee and chocolate notes add to the sweetness and complexity of the beer. These flavors meld together to create a smooth, satisfying drinking experience that characterizes this style.

Other characteristics associated with Sweet Stouts include a prominent sweetness that often comes from the use of lactose (milk sugar), which provides a rich mouthfeel and rounds out the flavors. The balance of sweetness with roasted malt character is key in differentiating Sweet Stouts from other stout styles.

In contrast, the other options present flavors or characteristics that either are not typical or are outright contradictory to what defines a Sweet Stout. For example, high levels of hop bitterness and strong floral notes do not align with the intended flavor profile of this style, which emphasizes malt-forward sweetness and depth rather than hop-driven characteristics.