Guinness Beer Alternatives: Exploring Dark Beer Options

Guinness is a traditional Irish stout beer made from barley, hops, water, and a specific strain of ale yeast. The beer is best served cold in a pint glass, and it is recommended to be served at 6-7 °C (42.8 °F). The ideal temperature range for Extra Stout, Draught, and Blonde is 42 degrees Fahrenheit, but no higher than 50. The recommended serving temperature for Extra Cold is 38 degrees Fahrenheit.

Guinness has a distinct pouring method, known as the double pour or two-part pour, where the beer is first poured at a 45-degree angle until the glass is three-quarters full, and then it is allowed to settle before filling the glass completely. This method is said to enhance the taste of the beer.

Guinness has a range of beers available, including:

- Guinness Draught

- Guinness Extra Stout

- Guinness Foreign Extra Stout

- Guinness Blonde

- Guinness Nitro IPA

- Guinness Hop House 13

- Guinness Black Lager

- Guinness West Indies Porter

- Guinness Special Export

- Guinness Nitro Cold Brew Coffee

Each of these beers has its own unique flavour profile and characteristics, offering a variety of choices for consumers.

Guinness Draught

In the UK and European pubs, Guinness Extra Cold may be on tap using a specialised keg system. This is a slight variation on Draught that is served colder than normal, making it more enjoyable during the summer.

To achieve the hard pour, open your Guinness Draught in a Can and wait for the unmistakable hiss. Very quickly, turn the can 180 degrees upside down and pour vertically into a clean pint glass. Take the can out of the glass slowly until all the liquid has been dispensed, and let it settle.

The manufacturer recommends a "double pour" serve, which, according to Diageo, should take two minutes. Guinness has promoted this wait with advertising campaigns such as "good things come to those who wait".

The brewer recommends that draught Guinness should be served at 6-7 °C (42.8 °F), while Extra Cold Guinness should be served at 3.5 °C (38.6 °F). Before the 21st century, it was popular to serve Guinness at cellar temperature (about 13 °C) and some drinkers preferred it at room temperature (about 20 °C).

Guinness Nitro IPA

The Nitro IPA is made in Dublin, Ireland, at St. James's Gate, the same brewery where Arthur Guinness first started brewing ales in 1759. The IPA is brewed with the same unique Guinness yeast strain used to ferment all stouts at St. James's Gate.

The addition of nitrogen to the IPA is a unique feature, as most IPAs do not utilise nitrogen infusion. While some find this creamy head undesirable in an IPA, others appreciate the experimentation by Guinness.

Overall, Guinness Nitro IPA offers a unique take on the traditional IPA style, with a smooth, creamy texture and a strong citrus flavour profile. While it may not appeal to all drinkers, it presents a different experience for those seeking variety in their beer choices.

Guinness Extra Stout

The beer has a subtle fruity aroma with warming, roasted notes of coffee and dark chocolate. It is dark ruby red with a frothy head and has a balanced flavour profile of bitter and sweet, with roasted notes and a dry finish.

The alcohol content of Guinness Extra Stout varies depending on the region. In North America, most bottles have an ABV of 5.6%, while in China it is 5%, 6.5% in Jamaica and East Africa, 6.8% in Malaysia, 7.5% in the US, and 8% in Singapore.

With a rich history and robust flavours, Guinness Extra Stout is a beloved icon around the world, especially in West Indian, West African, and Caribbean communities.

Guinness Foreign Extra Stout

The stout has a robust and roasted flavour with intense notes of dark chocolate, caramel, and dried fruits. It has a black colour with a frothy head and a heavy mouthfeel. The full body delivers a hoppier taste than regular Guinness and a roasted barley bitterness. It has a dry and nutty finish.

The alcohol by volume (ABV) of Guinness Foreign Extra Stout varies by region. The standard ABV is 7.5%, but it is also available at 5% ABV in China, 6.5% ABV in Jamaica and East Africa, 6.8% in Malaysia, 7.5% in the United States, and 8% ABV in Singapore.

Guinness Blonde

The story of Guinness Blonde began in 2013 when it was introduced as the flagship beer of the Open Gate Brewery in Baltimore, Maryland. However, in 2023, it was announced that the production of Guinness Blonde would move from Maryland to New York. Despite the change in brewing location, the beer remains a testament to the coming together of Irish tradition and American spirit.

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