Guinness is one of the most iconic beer brands in the world, known for its rich history and distinct flavors. Founded in 1759 by Arthur Guinness in Dublin, Ireland, this famous stout has become a global symbol of quality beer. Over the years, Guinness has expanded its offerings beyond the original stout, producing a range of different beer styles. In this article, we will explore the different types of Guinness beer, their unique characteristics, and how they contribute to the brand’s legacy.
Guinness offers a variety of beers that appeal to different tastes, from traditional stouts to lighter ales. Let’s take a closer look at the various types of Guinness beer and what makes each one special.
1. The Original Guinness Draught
Guinness Draught is the most well-known type of Guinness beer. First introduced in 1959, this beer revolutionized the way people think about stouts. It’s famous for its creamy texture and rich flavor, which comes from the use of roasted barley. The distinctive smoothness of Guinness Draught is achieved through the infusion of nitrogen gas, which creates tiny bubbles and gives the beer its characteristic creamy head.
Key Characteristics:
- Alcohol by Volume (ABV) is 4.2%
- Creamy texture
- Rich, roasted malt flavor
- Low carbonation due to nitrogen infusion
Guinness Draught is the go-to beer for many Guinness lovers and is available in pubs, cans, and bottles. It is perfect for those who enjoy a smooth, easy-drinking stout with balanced bitterness.
2. Guinness Extra Stout
Guinness Extra Stout is the original recipe that started it all in 1759. It is stronger and more robust compared to Guinness Draught, offering a more intense flavor profile. This beer has a fuller body, with deep roasted notes and a stronger bitterness. It’s brewed using more hops than Draught, which gives it a more pronounced bitter edge.
Key Characteristics:
- ABV is 5.6%
- Full-bodied and more robust
- Strong roasted barley flavors
- Bitter finish
Guinness Extra Stout appeals to beer drinkers who prefer a bolder, more traditional stout experience. It’s often considered the “classic” Guinness.
3. Guinness Foreign Extra Stout
Guinness Foreign Extra Stout is a stronger, more intense version of Guinness Extra Stout. First brewed in 1801, this beer was originally made to withstand long journeys to export markets, particularly in tropical regions. It has a higher alcohol content and a richer, more complex flavor profile, with hints of dark fruit, chocolate, and caramel.
Key Characteristics:
- ABV is 7.5%
- Rich and complex flavors
- Hints of dark fruit and chocolate
- Higher alcohol content
Foreign Extra Stout is widely popular in countries such as Nigeria, Malaysia, and the Caribbean. It’s perfect for those who want a stronger, more intense beer experience.
4. Guinness 0.0 (Non-Alcoholic)
In response to the growing demand for alcohol-free beverages, Guinness introduced Guinness 0.0. This non-alcoholic version of the famous stout offers all the flavor and texture of Guinness Draught but without the alcohol. It is brewed using the same process as the regular Guinness, with the alcohol carefully removed at the end.
Key Characteristics:
- ABV is 0.0%
- Same rich, creamy texture as Guinness Draught
- No alcohol
Guinness 0.0 is ideal for those who want to enjoy the taste of Guinness without consuming alcohol. It’s a popular choice for designated drivers or those looking to cut down on their alcohol intake.
See Also: How Many Calories Are in a Bottle of Bud Light Beer?
5. Guinness Nitro IPA
Guinness Nitro IPA is a departure from the traditional stout styles that the brand is known for. This beer combines the smooth, creamy texture of Guinness Draught with the hoppy bitterness of an India Pale Ale (IPA). It is infused with nitrogen, just like Draught, which gives it a smooth mouthfeel, while the hops provide floral and citrusy notes.
Key Characteristics:
- ABV is 4.5%
- Smooth, creamy texture
- Hoppy bitterness with floral and citrus notes
- Infused with nitrogen
Guinness Nitro IPA is a great option for those who enjoy the bold flavors of an IPA but want the creamy mouthfeel that Guinness beers are famous for.
6. Guinness Antwerpen Stout
Guinness Antwerpen Stout is a lesser-known but highly regarded beer in the Guinness lineup. First brewed for the Belgian market in 1944, this stout has a rich, malty flavor with hints of licorice, chocolate, and dark fruit. It has a higher alcohol content and a more complex flavor profile than Guinness Draught, making it a favorite among beer enthusiasts.
Key Characteristics:
- ABV is 8.0%
- Rich, malty flavor with hints of licorice and chocolate
- Complex and bold
Antwerpen Stout is perfect for those who appreciate strong, flavorful beers with a higher alcohol content. It’s a great beer to savor slowly and enjoy its complex taste.
7. Guinness Blonde
Guinness Blonde is a lighter, more refreshing beer compared to the traditional stouts that Guinness is known for. Brewed with American hops, this beer has a crisp, clean flavor with a touch of malt sweetness. It’s a golden ale that appeals to those who prefer lighter beers but still want the quality that Guinness offers.
Key Characteristics:
- ABV is 5.0%
- Crisp and clean with a hint of malt sweetness
- Brewed with American hops
Guinness Blonde is ideal for those who enjoy pale ales or lagers but want to try something different from the Guinness brand.
8. Guinness West Indies Porter
Guinness West Indies Porter is another beer with historical roots, first brewed in 1801 for export to the Caribbean. This beer has a slightly sweeter and more rounded flavor compared to other Guinness stouts, with notes of caramel and toffee. It is less bitter than Extra Stout and has a smoother finish.
Key Characteristics:
- ABV is 6.0%
- Sweet, rounded flavor with caramel and toffee notes
- Smoother and less bitter
West Indies Porter is a great option for those who prefer a sweeter stout with a rich, smooth flavor.
9. Guinness Milk Stout
Guinness Milk Stout, also known as “Guinness Sweet Stout,” is a sweeter version of the traditional Guinness stout. It is brewed with lactose (milk sugar), which adds sweetness and gives the beer a creamy texture. The lactose is not fermentable by yeast, so it remains in the beer, providing a soft, sweet finish.
Key Characteristics:
- ABV is 5.3%
- Sweet and creamy texture
- Brewed with lactose
This beer is perfect for those who enjoy sweet, creamy stouts and want a dessert-like beer experience.
10. Guinness Hop House 13 Lager
Guinness Hop House 13 Lager is a crisp, hoppy lager that was introduced as part of Guinness’s efforts to expand beyond stouts. Brewed with a combination of Irish and American hops, this beer has a light, refreshing taste with subtle hop bitterness and fruity notes.
Key Characteristics:
- ABV is 4.1%
- Light and crisp with fruity hop notes
- Brewed with a blend of Irish and American hops
Hop House 13 Lager is a great choice for those who prefer lighter beers but still want the high quality associated with the Guinness brand.
11. Guinness Special Export
Guinness Special Export is a strong, robust stout that was created for export to Belgium. It has a higher alcohol content and a more intense flavor compared to Guinness Draught. With rich malt flavors and a higher bitterness level, this beer appeals to those who enjoy strong, bold stouts.
Key Characteristics:
- ABV is 8.0%
- Strong, bold flavors
- Rich malt and roasted barley notes
Special Export is ideal for stout lovers who want a more intense, high-ABV beer with deep flavors.
12. Guinness Rye Pale Ale
Guinness Rye Pale Ale is a unique offering in the Guinness range, brewed with rye to add a spicy, earthy flavor to the beer. It has a light, crisp body with notes of pepper, malt, and a touch of sweetness. This beer is part of Guinness’s experimental series, showcasing the brand’s willingness to innovate and explore new flavors.
Key Characteristics:
- ABV is 5.0%
- Spicy, earthy flavor from rye
- Light and crisp body
Rye Pale Ale is perfect for those who enjoy pale ales with a bit of a twist and want to try something different from Guinness.
Conclusion
Guinness is much more than just the famous stout many people know and love. With a wide range of beers, from stouts to ales and lagers, Guinness caters to a diverse audience of beer enthusiasts. Whether you prefer the creamy smoothness of Guinness Draught, the bold flavors of Foreign Extra Stout, or the refreshing taste of Guinness Blonde, there is a Guinness beer for every palate.
Exploring the different types of Guinness beer is a journey through the brand’s rich history and its commitment to quality brewing. No matter what your taste preferences are, you’re sure to find a Guinness beer that satisfies your craving for a well-crafted beverage. Cheers!
You Might Be Interested In:
