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Surefoot Stout

Mountain Goat Beer
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🌍 Australia · Stout · One of 46 Stouts in hopIQ

One of the brewery's earliest beers, brewed since 1998 and now returning in small batches rather than running year-round. Dark roasted malts lead the palate, backed by two British crystal malts and flaked barley, with East Kent Goldings on the hop side. It sits at the sweeter end of the stout range: chocolate and nut over restrained roast, coffee at the edges, and a full, smooth finish that holds a little residual sweetness.

ABV
5%
Bitterness
Noticeably bitter
Roasted bitterness
SRM
dark35
See all Stout alternatives →

AWARDS

Best Victorian Beer · 2006
Australian International Beer Awards
Best Victorian Beer · 2004
Australian International Beer Awards
Best in Class · 2002
Australian International Beer Awards
Gold Medal · 2010
Australian International Beer Awards
Gold Medal · 2009
Australian International Beer Awards
Best Victorian Beer — Australian International Beer Awards
Best Victorian Beer — Australian International Beer Awards
Best in Class — Australian International Beer Awards
How it drinks· Its pace, balance and relationship to the style.
Pace
sessionsipper
Balance
malt-ledhop-led
Style expression
textbookdistinctive
Taste structure· The backbone of the beer, regardless of style.
Body
lightfull-bodied
Sweetness
drysweet
Bitterness
mildbitter
Texture
crispcreamy
hopIQ take

Full body.

The weight carries the beer on its own, leaving the aromatics free to lead.

Wider bands mean we're less certain about the exact position.
Character· What makes this beer itself — not just another Stout.
Malt character
roasted
chocolate
nutty
coffee
caramel
Distinctive notes
dark fruit
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Tasting Notes

AI-generated sensory profile for Surefoot Stout

Appearance

Deep brown to nearly black in color, characteristic of a traditionally roasted stout. The beer presents excellent clarity despite its dark complexion, with a substantial tan head that demonstrates good retention and lacing. Carbonation is moderate, creating a dense and persistent foam collar.

deep brownexcellent claritypersistent head

Aroma

Dark roasted malts dominate the nose, supported by pronounced notes of chocolate and hazelnut. British crystal malts contribute subtle caramel undertones, while East Kent Goldings hops add a gentle herbal restraint rather than assertive bitterness. The overall impression is warm and approachable, without harsh roast char.

roasted maltschocolate, hazelnutherbal subtlety

Taste

The palate opens with dark roasted character balanced by genuine sweetness from the crystal malts and flaked barley. Chocolate and nut flavors build through the mid-palate, with coffee notes emerging at the edges without dominating. The body is full and smooth, finishing with restrained bitterness and a lingering sweetness that prevents astringency.

roasted, sweet balancechocolate, coffeesmooth, full-bodied

Finish

The finish is long and warming, with residual sweetness holding firm through the aftertaste. Roast bitterness fades gracefully, leaving behind chocolate and nut notes that persist gently on the palate.

long, warmingsweet residue
80
hopIQ score
Aroma
82
Taste
84
Appearance
86
Finish
78
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Serve & Enjoy

How to get the most out of Surefoot Stout

Serve at 10–14°C
Refrigerate, then rest 2 min

Slightly warmer than you might expect. 10–13°C lets the roasted malt, chocolate and coffee notes open up fully.

Pint glass
Recommended for this style

The classic — versatile, comfortable to hold and keeps the beer cool. No frills, no distractions: just the beer.

Can be cellared 2–5 years. Develops dark fruit, leather and port-like complexity with age.

Food Pairing

What to eat with Surefoot Stout

About Stout

Style guide · what to expect · how to find alternatives

What is a Stout?

Stouts are dark ales with roasted barley character, 4–8% ABV and IBU 25–45. Expect coffee, dark chocolate and toast flavors with a creamy body and dry finish.

Finding a similar Stout

hopIQ matches by flavor profile — not just style label. A beer with the same roasted, chocolate, nutty character as Surefoot Stout will score highly even if brewed in a different country or under a different sub-style name.

Other Stouts in hopIQ

Explore all Stout beers in hopIQ →New to Stout? Read our guide →Browse Australia beers →

WHERE TO BUY

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