Guinness Beer: Extra Stout Or Draught, What's Original?

Guinness is a stout beer that originated in Dublin, Ireland, in the 18th century. The two most popular dark beers by the brewery are the Extra Stout and the Draught. The Extra Stout is based on a recipe from 1821 and is considered the original Guinness beer. It has a stronger and crisper flavour than the typical beer and is easy to drink. On the other hand, the Draught is a newer creation with a creamy texture and a smooth, balanced taste. While the Draught is more popular, the Extra Stout is considered more flavourful and authentic.

Guinness Extra Stout vs. Guinness Draught

Guinness Extra Stout is based on a recipe from 1821

The Extra Stout is a classic, with a generous nose and pronounced malted milkshake notes. The flavours are evenly balanced, including cacao, nutty notes, cola, molasses, and a hint of fruity esters. It finishes elegantly, like a sip of coffee after a bite of a chocolate chip cookie.

The Extra Stout is a crisp and bittersweet stout, with the grain bill shining through and a refreshing quality. It is a well-made stout, with balance throughout. It is a stout for every day and can be enjoyed whether it is brisk outside or if you are camped out next to an air conditioner.

The Extra Stout is a versatile beer that is easy to enjoy and fun to cook or mix with. It is a bona fide classic and offers more in the way of character.

Guinness Draught is primarily made from malted and unmalted barley

The use of nitrogen to create a creamy texture and flavour in beer was pioneered by Guinness in 1959. The smaller bubbles created by nitrogen, compared to carbon dioxide, give Guinness Draught its "creamier" and "smoother" consistency. This change in texture and flavour was a significant departure from the sharper, more traditional taste of beer made with carbon dioxide.

The process of blending malted and unmalted barley is central to the unique flavour and appearance of Guinness Draught. The unmalted barley contributes to the sharp, lactic acid flavour that characterises Guinness. While the company has not confirmed whether this blending process is still used, the distinctive "tang" of Guinness suggests that it remains an important step in the brewing process.

In addition to its flavour and texture, Guinness Draught also has a distinctive aroma. The beer produces a malty scent that is not overpowering, adding to its overall appeal. The balance of sweetness and bitterness in Guinness Draught enhances its coffee-like flavour, making it a popular choice for beer enthusiasts.

Guinness Extra Stout is made from barley, hops, malt yeast, water, and cereal

Guinness Extra Stout is a beer with a rich history that dates back to 1821 when Arthur Guinness II crafted a recipe for a Superior Porter. This original recipe has evolved into the various Guinness beers enjoyed today, with the Extra Stout being a beloved icon worldwide.

The distinctive flavour of Guinness Extra Stout is derived from its carefully selected ingredients: barley, hops, malt yeast, water, and cereal. These components are blended, roasted, and fermented, then pressurized with carbon dioxide to create its signature crisp taste. The inclusion of cereal in the mix sets it apart from Guinness Draught, which is pressurized with a blend of nitrogen and carbon dioxide, resulting in a creamier texture.

Guinness Extra Stout presents a dark ruby red colour with a frothy head. Its flavour profile is a subtle balance of fruity, roasted, sweet, and bitter notes, with hints of coffee and dark chocolate. This combination of flavours and its sharp texture make it a versatile beverage that pairs well with seafood, sweet desserts, and various dishes.

The alcohol content of Guinness Extra Stout varies by region. In North America, it typically has an ABV of 5.6%, making it a stronger option compared to the standard beer. The calorie count reflects this, with the North American variant containing 149 calories per bottle.

Guinness Extra Stout has become an integral part of celebrations and culinary creations, especially in West Indian, West African, and Caribbean communities. Its versatility, rich history, and robust flavours have solidified its status as a beloved beer worldwide.

Guinness Extra Stout has a stronger and crisper flavour than your typical beer

Guinness Extra Stout is a cut above your typical beer. It has a stronger and crisper flavour than other beers, with a perfect blend of sweet and bitter notes. It's sharp and crisp, with trademark Guinness flavours at its core.

The extra stout has a relatively sharp texture, but it's still easy to drink. It has a pleasant roasted scent, with subtle hints of fruitiness. The flavour is similar to standard beer, but with a crisp and sharp edge. This makes it a versatile drink that pairs well with seafood like shellfish and oysters, and even provides a nice contrast to sweet foods like ice cream and chocolate.

The extra stout is based on a beer first brewed in 1821 when Arthur Guinness II set down precise instructions for brewing his Superior Porter. It's a direct descendant of archival recipes and is considered the precursor to every Guinness innovation since. It's a beloved icon around the world, especially in West Indian, West African, and Caribbean communities.

The extra stout differs from the draught in terms of ingredients and pressurization. While both contain barley, hops, malt yeast, and water, the extra stout also contains cereal. Additionally, the draught is pressurized with nitrogen and carbon dioxide, giving it a creamier texture, while the extra stout is pressurized only with carbon dioxide, resulting in a crisper taste.

The alcohol content also varies between the two. The draught has a lower alcohol content, making it a light beer, while the extra stout is notably stronger, with a higher ABV depending on the region. So, if you're looking for something more robust and flavourful, the extra stout is the way to go.

Guinness Draught has a distinctive creamy head

Guinness Draught is a relatively newer creation, having been concocted in the mid-20th century. It has a distinctive creamy head that is a result of mixing the beer with nitrogen and carbon dioxide. The draught is made primarily from malted and unmalted barley, which gives the beer its dark hue and coffee-like taste. The barley is then blended and fermented with other ingredients such as hops, yeast, roast malt, and water. The mixture is pressurised with nitrogen and carbon dioxide, creating the beer's signature creaminess.

The draught has a rich and creamy taste with a smooth texture and no frothy feeling. It has a great balance of sweetness and bitterness, giving it a coffee-like flavour. The aromatics are mild, with hints of baking chocolate and espresso. On the palate, it has a creamy, linear profile that finishes with a bitter taste, like black coffee. It is an easy-to-drink beer and its versatility makes it enjoyable and fun to cook or mix with. For example, it can be paired with roasted meat or game, or its balanced sweetness can complement meat and vegan burgers.

The distinctive creamy head of Guinness Draught is created by the very fine bubbles that arise from the use of nitrogen and the dispensing method. The manufacturer recommends a "double pour" serve, which involves filling the glass 3/4 full and allowing the initial pour to settle before filling the glass again until the head forms a slight dome over the top of the glass. This "double pour" technique, along with the use of nitrogen, gives the draught its distinctive creamy head and smooth texture.

The widget in cans and bottles of Guinness Draught also contributes to the creamy head. When the can or bottle is opened, the widget releases pressurised nitrogen, creating a head when poured. This innovation ensures that the draught beer can be enjoyed straight from the can or bottle, replicating the experience of drinking it fresh from the tap.

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