Irish Stout - The Beer Thrillers

Some Craft Beers to Drink Instead of Guinness on St. Patrick’s Day

B. Kline — Thu, 14 Mar 2024 14:30:33 +0000

Some St. Patrick’s Day Alternatives

St. Patrick’s Day

As many of you know Sunday is St. Patrick’s Day. Its also the last day to vote in the Conference Round of 16 in our Battle of the Breweries (March Madness) tournament. Its also the day four years ago we were all just going to take a “short break” from our jobs to help flatten the curves….. but thats a rabbit hole we’re not going down today. Instead, we’re going to go down a rabbit hole of craft beers we can try INSTEAD of Guinness.

No green beer here. No Guinness here. Just craft beer alternatives to try out instead of Guiness on St. Patrick’s Day.

Craft Beers to Try Instead of Guinness

Here is a list (some with pictures and text, some just the names of the beers) of craft beers to try this year instead of your typical Guinness Draught or Irish Car Bomb.

Troegs Independent Brewing: Scratch 509

Scratch 509: Irish Dry Stout on Nitro

Just released today (Thursday, March 14th, 2024). This is Scratch 509 by Troegs Independent Brewing.

Its a small (only sixtels in house, not even full kegs) R & D batch on the Troegs Scratch Pilot system.

Not to go, and not sold in cans or bottles, this is draft only in their tasting room. Super limited, so hopefully it will at least make it til St. Patrick’s Day! Its a delicious Nitro Irish Dry Stout in the vein of Guinness.

Its clocking in at just 4.2% ABV so you can easily go back up to the bar for a second… and a third… and a fourth.

Boneshire Brew Works: Grattan Irish Stout

Grattan Irish Stout by Boneshire Brew Works

One of my personal favorites from Boneshire Brew Works (though to be honest, I say that about nearly all of their beers there), this is a perfect replacement for Guinness.

“This stout is traditionally dry and super drinkable. Beware of the Leprechaun while drinking this one.”

Similar to the Scratch 509 above, and similar to Guinness itself, this Dry Irish Stout clocks in at just 4.5% making it easy to drink, leaving you full in taste and flavor, but not full of the ABV or drunk.

Sold in cans to go or at their brewery (where its also on in Nitro) this is easily one of the best ways to replace Guinness, especially this Sunday.

Wallenpaupack Brewing: O’Days

O’Days by Wallenpaupack Brewing

Can’t go wrong with Wallenpaupack Brewing, and their O’Days is a great choice for a Guinness replacement.

Acclamation Brewing: The Pooka

The Pooka by Acclamation Brewing

Acclamation Brewing just moved to their new location (see our article here: ACCLAMATION BREWING MOVING TO NEW LOCATION). So stop by their new spot and grab yourself a pint of The Pooka.

We got to visit Acclamation in 2022 and absolutely had a blast, great service, delicious beers, wonderful can and label artwork. All around great people. So give them a visit!

Stable 12: Murphy’s Law

Murphy’s Law by Stable 12

My grandfather had a saying: “If it can go wrong — it will.” The inspiration for this being the Law of Murphy, or Murphy’s Law. In which: Murphy’s law is an adage or epigram that is typically stated as: “Anything that can go wrong will go wrong.” In some formulations, it is extended to “Anything that can go wrong will go wrong, and at the worst possible time.” (Wikipedia) I think anyone who has kids, or is a home owner, or has a favorite sports team can attest to this – if something can go wrong – it will. So what better way to relieve the pains of things going horribly awry than with a delicious beer, like “Murphy’s Law” by Stable 12 Brewing Company.

Second Sin Brewing: Double O Stout: Quantum of Stoutness

Second Sin Brewing’s Double O Stout: Quantum of Stoutness

Second Sin Brewing Company is constantly recognized for knocking it out of the park. Or hitting one over the rainbow, and they do it again with their Double O Stout: Quantum of Stoutness. (Gotta love the James Bond reference there too). Clocking in at 4.6% its that perfect spot for Irish Dry Stouts (see Boneshire Brew Work’s Grattan Irish Stout, and Troegs Independent Brewing’s Scratch 509, as well as Guinness itself). Their Untappd description reads: “Double O Stout is our rendition of the Classic Irish Dry Stout style. It pours a pitch black color, with hints of ruby at the edges, and a light khaki head up top. Notes of black coffee, baker’s chocolate, and almost too-well-done toast are pulled together by a tight, dry finish. Sláinte!”

Appalachian Brewing Company: Celtic Knot

ABC’s Celtic Knot

A classic – Appalachian Brewing Company (ABC)’s Celtic Knot is a wonderful choice on St. Patrick’s Day (or any other day for that matter).

Some More Fantastic Beers

Here is a list of some other breweries and their Irish Stouts or Dry Irish Stouts, or even just Irish themed beers that would make a great replacement for Guinness on St. Patrick’s Day this Sunday:

ARTiface Ales and Meads: Cunning
Back Alley Brewing: MacKINLAY
Back Mountain Brewing Company: F**K Green Beer
Back Porch Brewing Company: Leprechaun Juice
Evil Genius: Magically Delicious
Bill’s Best: Seamus
Bru Daddy’s: Red Ale Eddy
Burghers Brewing: Lobaircin
Fegley’s Brew Works: The Boondock Stouts
Floating Feathers Brewing Company: King Richard
Groove Brewing: Paradorade
Groove Brewing and Last Minute Brewing: Scranton Party
Hares Hill Brewing Company: Boxing Hare
Hemauer Brewing: McFadden
Lavery Brewing: Red Paddy
Levante Brewing: Infinite Irish
Levante Brewing: Green Alligators and Long Neck Geese
Locust Lane Brewing: Duffy’s Red Ale
Log Tavern Brewing: Irish Red Ale
McCallister Brewing Company: Leprechaun Balls
McCallister Brewing Company: Shamrock Shake
Newtown Brewing Company: I Don’t Got Friends, I Got Family
North Country Brewing Company: McCafferty Ale
Odd Logic Brewing: Dear Boss
Pittsburgh Brewing Company: Extra Dry Pittsburgh Stout
Rough Edges Brewing Company: Who’s Your Paddy?
Vault Brewing: Gold Option
Warwick Farm Brewing: Galway Stout
Well Crafted Brewing Company: Irish Potato Blonde Americano
Wolf Brewing Co: New Moon (Irish Dry Stout)
Yellow Bridges Brewing Company: Less Than Lucky

Check Out Our Article From 2021

For a fun look back, here’s a similar article we did in 2021: Looking for good local stouts or green beer this St. Patty’s Day? (3.17.21)

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Beer Review: Guinness Draught (Guinness)

B. Kline — Sat, 03 Feb 2024 06:04:42 +0000

Having a Guinness Draught with Ming and Don on St. Patrick’s Day

A Timeless Classic Revisited: Guinness Draught

In the ever-evolving landscape of craft beers, with its kaleidoscope of flavors, styles, and innovations, there remains one stalwart that continues to command respect and admiration for its enduring quality and unique character: Guinness Draught. As we dive into this beer review, we revisit this iconic stout, exploring the depths of its rich history, distinctive pour, and the sensory experience it offers.

Guinness is oft an overlooked beer, especially by the craft beer drinkers, those fickle and funny group of “beer nerds”. For me its a standard, an old faithful, an old friend to revisit every so often. Particularly every St. Patrick’s Day I enjoy myself an Irish Car Bomb (or two or three), and then a straight up pint of Guinness. But there are other times and places I enjoy the delicious dark Irish brew. But there are other times as well when I reach for the old fan favorite. Dark, stormy, wintry rainy or snowy nights, at the Irish pub off the boardwalk in Atlantic City (A.C.), or when needing a nice roasty drink to go along with shepherd’s pie.

Colorado Beer Guy is currently doing a 40-Day Beer Only Lent Fast, where he is drinking only Guinness and water, and eating nothing. You can follow along with him at his beer group devoted to that task: 40-Day Beer Only Fast (Facebook Group).

Beer Review: Guinness Draught

Having a Guinness Draught with Ming and Don on St. Patrick’s Day

Beer: Guinness Draught
Brewery: Guinness
Style: Stout – Irish Dry
ABV: 4.2%
IBU: 45
Untappd Description:

Swirling clouds tumble as the storm begins to calm. Settle. Breathe in the moment, then break through the smooth, light head to the bittersweet reward.

Unmistakeably GUINNESS, from the first velvet sip to the last, lingering drop. And every deep-dark satisfying mouthful in between.

Pure beauty. Pure GUINNESS.

Guinness Draught is sold in kegs, widget cans, and bottles. The ABV varies from 4.1 to 4.3%.

Guinness Extra Cold is the exact same beer only served through a super cooler at 3.5 °C

Appearance

The appearance of Guinness Draught is nothing short of iconic, a visual poetry that captures the essence of what a stout should be. As it settles in the glass, the beer’s deep, ebony darkness is crowned by a dense, creamy head, starkly contrasting in its color. This head is remarkably persistent, lasting until the final sip, leaving a lacing that clings to the glass like a memory. The allure of its cascade, where the bubbles seem to defy physics, moving downwards before settling, is a unique spectacle. This visual allure is not merely aesthetic but a prelude to the sensory journey that Guinness offers, setting the stage for what promises to be an exceptional beer experience.

From the moment a pint of Guinness Draught is set before you, its visual appeal is undeniable. The beer’s performance begins with its signature cascade, a mesmerizing ballet of tiny bubbles dancing their way to the top, culminating in the formation of a thick, creamy head. This spectacle is not just a treat for the eyes but a testament to the nitrogen gas blend used in its serving, which sets Guinness apart from its carbon dioxide-infused counterparts. The result is a smoother, creamier texture that has become synonymous with the Guinness Draught experience.

Color

The color of Guinness Draught is almost as famous as the brand itself—a deep, opaque ebony that, when held up to the light, reveals a rich, ruby red hue. It’s a color palette that promises depth and complexity, inviting the drinker to delve deeper into what this stout has to offer.

Aroma

The aroma of Guinness Draught gently wafts through the air, a subtle yet intricate blend of scents that prepares the palate for the first taste. It’s a bouquet that doesn’t overpower but entices, with roasted barley taking the forefront, followed by undercurrents of rich coffee and a hint of dark chocolate. This trifecta of aromas is beautifully balanced, creating an inviting and warm olfactory experience. The slight earthiness and a whisper of hops add complexity, making each inhalation a discovery of layers that speaks volumes of the craftsmanship behind this legendary stout.

On the nose, Guinness Draught is subtle yet inviting. It offers hints of roasted barley, coffee, and a touch of chocolate, creating an aromatic profile that balances richness with approachability. This is not a beer that overwhelms; instead, it gently beckons you to take the first sip.

Mouthfeel

One of the most distinctive features of Guinness Draught is its mouthfeel. The use of nitrogen over the more common carbon dioxide in its carbonation process results in a beer that’s velvety smooth and almost silky to the tongue. This creaminess is a hallmark of the Guinness experience, making each sip a luxurious indulgence. Despite its robust appearance and flavor profile, the beer has a surprisingly light body that doesn’t weigh down the palate. This combination of smoothness and lightness makes Guinness Draught exceptionally drinkable, a stout that can be savored slowly over time without becoming overwhelming.

And what a sip it is. Guinness Draught delivers a taste that is both robust and nuanced. The initial flavors mirror the nose, with roasted malt and coffee notes leading the way. There’s a mild sweetness that rounds out the bitterness, and a faint, almost imperceptible smokiness that adds another layer of complexity. Despite its bold flavors, Guinness maintains a medium body that, when combined with its creamy texture, makes for an exceptionally smooth and drinkable stout.

Taste

The taste of Guinness Draught is where its true character shines through—a masterful blend of bitterness balanced with a subtle sweetness. The roasted barley that hints at its presence in the aroma comes to the forefront in the taste, delivering a rich, malted flavor with notes of coffee and a dark chocolate undertone. There’s a complexity here that is deceptively simple, with each sip revealing a new layer or nuance. The bitterness is perfectly pitched, providing a refreshing counterpoint to the malt’s richness, while the finish brings a dryness that cleanses the palate and invites further exploration. It’s a taste profile that is both satisfying and sophisticated, making each pint a journey in itself.

The finish of Guinness Draught is as satisfying as its beginning, with a pleasantly dry aftertaste that invites another sip. This beer does not linger overly long on the palate, but it leaves a memorable impression, encouraging a slow and savoring consumption.

In a beer landscape that often prizes novelty over tradition, Guinness Draught stands as a testament to the power of consistency, quality, and character. It’s a beer that transcends trends, offering the same rich, full-flavored experience that has captivated drinkers for generations. Whether you’re a stout aficionado or a casual beer drinker, Guinness Draught is a brew that deserves a place at your table. It’s not just a beer; it’s a piece of brewing history that continues to delight and surprise with every pint.

Overall

In the realm of stouts, Guinness Draught occupies a place of honor, a testament to its enduring appeal and the timeless quality of its brew. From its captivating appearance and inviting aroma to its smooth mouthfeel and balanced taste, Guinness is a beer that appeals to both the seasoned aficionado and the casual drinker alike. It’s a brew that transcends the ordinary, offering an experience that is both comforting in its familiarity and exciting in its depth. Overall, Guinness Draught is not just a beer; it’s a tradition, a piece of cultural heritage that continues to inspire and delight. Whether enjoyed in the bustling atmosphere of a pub or the quiet of one’s home, it remains a stout that stands apart, a classic that continues to define and elevate the very idea of what a beer can be.

In conclusion, this beer review reaffirms what many have known for years: Guinness Draught is more than just a stout; it’s an institution, an icon, and above all, a delightful drink that stands the test of time. Whether enjoyed in a cozy pub or at home, Guinness Draught remains a benchmark for quality, a beer that embodies the heart and soul of stout.

My Untappd Rating: ****
Global Untappd Rating: 3.77 (as of 2.3.24)

More Information on Guinness Brewing

The following comes via Untappd.

Guinness is a macro brewery from Dublin, County Dublin Ireland. They are a subsidiary of Diageo. They have 112 unique beers and over 2,900,000 ratings, with a global average rating of 3.52 (as of 2.3.24). Their Untappd description reads: “The Guinness® brand enjoys a global reputation as a uniquely authentic beer and the best-selling stout in the world. Famous for its dark color, creamy head and unique surge and settle, this distinctive beer originated at the St. James’s Gate brewery in Dublin, Ireland. Over 10 million glasses of Guinness beer are enjoyed every single day around the world, and 1.8 billion pints are sold every year. Guinness beer is available in well over 100 countries worldwide and is brewed in almost 50. About Diageo Diageo is a global leader in beverage alcohol with an outstanding collection of brands across spirits, beer and wine categories. These brands include Johnnie Walker, Crown Royal, JεB, Buchanan’s, Windsor and Bushmills whiskies, Smirnoff, Cîroc and Ketel One vodkas, Captain Morgan, Baileys, Don Julio, Tanqueray and Guinness. Diageo is a global company, and our products are sold in more than 180 countries around the world. The company is listed on both the London Stock Exchange (DGE) and the New York Stock Exchange (DEO). For more information about Diageo, our people, our brands, and performance, visit us at www.diageo.com. Visit Diageo’s global responsible drinking resource, www.DRINKiQ.com, for information, initiatives, and ways to share best practice. Celebrating life, every day, everywhere.”

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