What do you consider to be a stout?

Start with a six pack of Guinness Extra Stout

 

@edwilksm just gonna +1 this post, it seems like your tastes naturally will be a great segue into the wonderfully underrated world of dark Belgians, english barleywines, wee heavy’s and old ales.

I think those are styles that are severely overlooked by people new to craft beer, and definitely styles I wish I had gotten into earlier.

 

WORLD CLASS ACCORDING TO BEER ADVOCATE

4.48/5 rDev +4.2%
look: 4.75 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.5

The Merkin, poured into a Willie Becker glass, is a rich and roasty looking stout, very dark, a thin head with a little carbonation. The aroma is toasty sweet molasses and/or brown sugar. Amazingly lighter than it smells, it is an excellent oatmeal stout and is not overpowered by the sweet molasses, brown sugar aroma suggests. Nor the bourbon or its barrel. Smooth and creamy Merkin goes down with pleasure. Delicious. Overall an outstanding oatmeal stout. Do this one again.
Vintage 2018. "BEER BEFORE GLORY"

 

I'd say you're being a little generous with 4.75 for appearance -- what happened to the head?