Closely related varieties of dark beer that originated in the UK. The dark colour is due to part of the malt being dark-roasted. Stouts and porters are characterised by roasted notes, coffee, liquorice and chocolate. There is usually a rather high level of bitterness, and hoppy characteristics are more prominent in American stouts and porters. The term “stout” was originally used to distinguish stronger porter from regular porter. Now it is really up to the brewer whether to call the beer a stout or a porter.