Stout Beer Basics: Guinness Extra Stout's Dark Side

Guinness Extra Stout is a dark beer with a ruby shimmer when held to the light. It is a dry stout, and its dark colour comes from using dark roasted malts. The beer is brewed with lager yeast and has a bitter and sweet flavour. It is best paired with barbecue or Latin American cuisine, particularly smoked meats.

The history of Guinness Extra Stout

When Archbishop Price passed away, the Guinness family received a significant sum of money, which Arthur used to purchase a 9,000-year lease on an old, run-down brewery at St. James's Gate in Dublin in 1759. At first, Guinness brewed ales, but soon he embraced the new style of beer called porter, which was gaining popularity. By 1779, Guinness was listed as one of two official suppliers of beer and ale to the seat of the government at Dublin Castle, and by 1799, he had eliminated ales entirely in favour of darker brews.

In 1801, Arthur Guinness II, the son of Arthur Guinness, introduced West Indies Porter, later renamed Foreign Extra Stout, which became the longest continually brewed recipe in Guinness's history. In 1821, Arthur Guinness II launched Guinness Extra Stout, a beer that has been a significant part of the company's history. This new stout was sharper and crisper than the later Guinness Draught Stout and Foreign Extra Stout, falling into the classic Irish dry stout category.

Guinness Extra Stout has been a beloved icon around the world, especially in West Indian, West African, and Caribbean communities. With a rich history and robust flavours, it has added something extra to celebrations both big and small. It is considered the quintessential stout by many Guinness employees, who keep it in their fridges most often.

Guinness Extra Stout's flavour profile

Guinness Extra Stout is a flavourful beer with a distinct taste and aroma. It has a medium and balanced aroma with a roast character and subtle fruity notes from fermentation. The flavour is a well-rounded balance of bitter and sweet, with warming, roasted notes of coffee and dark chocolate. It has a dry finish and a slight bite.

The appearance of Guinness Extra Stout is distinctively black with a full body and a rich, creamy, frothy head. It is described as "the black stuff" in marketing, but it is also referred to as a dark ruby red colour officially. The beer is carbonated with carbon dioxide, giving it a sudsy head and a refreshing taste.

Guinness Extra Stout has a higher ratio of hops compared to other Guinness variants, providing a more bitter taste and an enhanced bite. It is also brewed with a higher proportion of roasted barley, contributing to its dark hue and characteristic flavour. The beer has a sharp and crisp taste, in contrast to the creamy and smooth texture of the traditional Guinness Draught.

Guinness Extra Stout is a beloved icon in many parts of the world, especially in West Indian, West African, and Caribbean communities. It has a rich history, dating back to 1821 when Arthur Guinness II created the original recipe for his Superior Porter. This beer has become the foundation for all subsequent Guinness innovations.

How Guinness Extra Stout compares to other stouts

Guinness Extra Stout is a direct descendant of the original Guinness recipe, first brewed in 1821. It is a dark beer, with a ruby red hue, and a frothy head. It has a sharp and crisp taste, with bitter, sweet, and roasted notes, and a dry finish. The beer is carbonated, giving it a distinct bite, and it is heavier-bodied than Guinness Draught. The aroma is maltier, with hints of chocolate and coffee, and a fruity note.

Compared to other stouts, Guinness Extra Stout is a relatively heavy-bodied beer, with a distinct bite and a dry finish. It has a stronger flavour than some other stouts, with a perfect balance of bitter and sweet notes. The aroma is also stronger, with hints of chocolate and coffee, which sets it apart from other stouts that may have a simpler, malt-focused aroma. The use of carbonation, rather than nitrogen, gives it a crisp taste and a bubbly texture, which is uncommon in stouts.

Guinness Extra Stout is also historically significant, with a brewing history spanning over 200 years. It is the precursor to all other Guinness beers and is considered the original Guinness recipe.

In terms of alcohol content, the ABV of Guinness Extra Stout varies depending on the region, with North American bottles having a higher ABV of 5.6%, compared to the standard Guinness Draught, which has an ABV of 4.2%. This makes Guinness Extra Stout a stronger beer, which may be preferable for those seeking a more potent drink.

Overall, Guinness Extra Stout offers a unique flavour profile, combining bitter, sweet, and roasted notes, with a distinct bite and dry finish. Its historical significance, strong flavour, and carbonated texture set it apart from other stouts, making it a popular choice for stout lovers worldwide.

The ingredients used to make Guinness Extra Stout

Guinness Extra Stout is made from a blend of barley, hops, malt yeast, and water. It also contains cereal. These ingredients are blended, roasted, and fermented, then pressurized with carbon dioxide.

The barley is roasted to give Guinness its dark colour and characteristic taste. The malted barley and roasted unmalted barley are what give Guinness its flavour. The unmalted barley is a relatively modern addition, becoming part of the grist in the mid-20th century.

The roasted scent and subtle fruity notes of Guinness Extra Stout come from the fermentation process. The beer is also subtly sweet, with a bitter taste.

Guinness Extra Stout is the direct descendant of archival recipes. It was first brewed in 1821 when Arthur Guinness II set down precise instructions for brewing his Superior Porter.

The Irish version of Guinness Foreign Extra Stout (FES) is brewed with pale malt, 25% flaked barley (for head retention and body), and 10% roasted barley. The beer uses the bitter Galena, Nugget, and Target hop varieties, which have undergone an isomerized kettle extract process.

Guinness Extra Stout has a higher alcohol content than Guinness Draught. In North America, most bottles of Guinness Extra Stout have an ABV of 5.6%.

The best food pairings with Guinness Extra Stout

Guinness Extra Stout is a dark beer with a roasted malt flavour and a hint of coffee and chocolate. Its intense flavour and slightly bitter finish make it a great pairing for many dishes. Here are some of the best food pairings to consider when enjoying a Guinness Extra Stout:

Beef

The rich flavour of beef pairs well with the roasted malt flavour of Guinness Extra Stout. Whether it's a juicy steak, a hearty burger or a comforting beef stew, the beer's robust taste will complement the dish.

Chocolate

The sweetness of chocolate is a perfect match for the roasted malt flavour in Guinness Extra Stout. Indulge in some dark chocolate desserts or chocolate-covered pretzels to bring out the subtle sweetness of the beer.

Cheese

The creamy texture of Guinness Extra Stout is enhanced when paired with creamy cheeses like sharp cheddar, blue cheese or brie. The contrast between the smooth beer and the creamy cheese creates a delightful sensory experience.

Seafood

The delicate flavour of seafood, especially grilled salmon, shrimp or oysters, pairs surprisingly well with the hint of coffee found in Guinness Extra Stout. The briny, salty taste of oysters also provides an excellent counterpoint to the beer's robust sweetness.

Barbecue

The smoky flavour of barbecue dishes, such as ribs, pulled pork or brisket, complements the roasted malt character of Guinness Extra Stout. The charred notes of barbecued meats will be accentuated by the beer's slight bitterness.

Guinness Extra Stout's versatility makes it a great companion for a wide range of dishes, from traditional to unconventional pairings. So, whether you're enjoying a hearty stew or exploring exotic flavours, a pint of Guinness Extra Stout will surely elevate your dining experience.

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