Stout Bitterness?

[mr_wibble]

Is there any ingredient in particular that gives a stout that lingering back-of-the-palette bitterness ?

We tried Stoke "Dark" last night - a very well crafted beer, and I loved the subtle smokey flavour - but I'm not a fan of lingering bitterness.
The taste mellowed a bit as the beer warmed up, but that bitterness was still present.

cheers,
-kt

 

[warra48]

More than likely it's the Roast Barley.

Also, the IBU of Stout can be surprisingly high, but masked by the maltiness and body.

 

[WildaYeast]

More than likely it's the Roast Barley.

Also, the IBU of Stout can be surprisingly high, but masked by the maltiness and body.

Could also be black malt, which can leave an acrid taste if over-used (need to be sparing). Depends what kind of bitter... Palmer describes black malt bitterness as a "dry, burned bitterness, with an ashlike character." Do you like an APA or IPA with high IBUs and is this a different bitter. If so, dark roasted/kilned grain may be the cause.