The Secret to Making a Smooth Irish Stout with Coopers International Irish Stout

April 2, 2025

The Key to Brewing a Creamy, Full-Flavoured Irish Stout at Home

Sometimes, you just want a beer that hugs your tastebuds like a hearty stew on a rainy night. That’s the charm of a good Irish Stout — bold, velvety, and oh-so-satisfying. If you're after something rich, dark, with that perfect creamy head and a finish that says, "Yeah, I brewed this," then you've come to the right place. Let’s talk stouts — specifically Coopers International Series Irish Stout 1.7kg. Now this little tin of wonder could just be the game-changer for your brew room.

What sets a proper Irish Stout apart?

For the lads and ladies out there tinkering in their sheds or kitchens, there's a clear sign you've made a top-notch stout — the pour. When you pour your brew and it kicks up a cascading tan foam that gently settles into a velvety beige head... you’re not just making beer. You’re creating something you’ll be proud to wheel out at the next backyard barbie.

Here's the good news: that smooth, creamy head and roasty toasted flavours aren't only reserved for the fancy craft breweries. With Coopers International Series Irish Stout, those classic notes of coffee, chocolate, and just a whisper of liquorice are already built into the recipe — roasted and flaked barley, mixed with quality hops. No guesswork needed.

Brewing tips from my shed to yours

I’ve had my fair share of wonky brews. Beers that looked stunning but tasted like rainwater in a muddy boot. What made the difference? Two things: paying attention to detail and not cutting corners. With Irish stout, you’re working with a malty powerhouse. That means temperature, timing, and patience really matter.

Ferment Cool: Keep your fermentation around 18°C to 20°C. Too warm and it might kick up some odd flavours.
Have Patience: Let it age for at least 4 weeks after bottling. I promise it’s worth the wait. Besides, isn’t anticipation half the fun?
Water Quality Matters: A smoother beer starts with clean, mineral-balanced water. A stout doesn’t need to be over-complicated, but always filter if you can.
Get the right carbonation: About 5-6 grams of priming sugar per 750ml bottle gives just the right level of fizziness without blowing your face off.

Why Coopers makes it easy

If you’re new to homebrewing or looking for consistency, Coopers Irish Stout hits that sweet spot. It comes with all the groundwork done — the malt extract already blends a beautiful combo of roasted and flaked barley, offering a bold richness and that deep chocolate-meets-burnt toffee aroma that makes an Irish stout sing.

The 1.7kg tin also means generous volume, so you’re actually getting about 23 litres (yep, nearly 60 stubbies!) of that dark nectar. Budget-friendly without going cheap where it counts.

I still remember the first one I brewed…

I’d lined up all my gear from trays to carboys, even wiped my hands with a tea towel like I knew what I was doing. But when I cracked open that first bottle weeks later and poured it, something happened. The head sat up proud, beefy and beige. The taste — rich, bold, with those gritty notes of roasted barley and a whisper of chocolate — had me standing there with a grin and goosebumps. I was hooked.

Now that stout is one I bring along on fishing trips and family cook-ups. My brother-in-law swears it’s better than anything he’s found at the bottle shop. Best part? It all comes from that trusty Coopers tin.

The perfect starting point for your signature stout

You’re not limited to just what’s inside the can. Once you’re confident, this kit is an ideal base for experimentation. Want to up the ABV? Toss in some extra malt or brew enhancer. Craving more bitterness? Add a late hop addition for a touch more bite. There’s so much freedom to make it yours.

If all of this sounds like it could be your next winning brew, then it’s time to get rolling. Make sure your gear is sorted, your bottles are cleaned, and your spare fridge has cleared out enough room for a fermenter. Your brewing session is calling.

Before you go…

Here’s the secret no one tells you — smooth, dark Irish stout doesn’t just pour well, it brings people together. It becomes that quiet star of the shed party, the weekend job well done. You’ll sip it and say, “This is why I brew.”

Want to try your hand at the stout folks can’t stop talking about? Start with Coopers International Series Irish Stout 1.7kg — easy, proven, and full of potential. Your mates (and your tastebuds) will thank you.

Catch you at the next brew sesh 🍻

Cheers,
Candeece