About Irish Beer

About Irish Beer
Ireland: Stout Country

Although the country sports a handful of microbreweries, it cannot be said that one goes to Ireland to discover diversity in brewing styles. This is not to say Ireland does not produce noteworthy beer—especially if one likes dry stout, Guinness in particular. Guinness is brewed in a number of places around the world, but most Guinness exported to the U.S. market originate from the St. James Gate brewery in Dublin. Of course, this beer is even more creamy and flavorful when found directly in Irish pubs. Bottle-conditioned Guinness is available in the U.S., as are “widget” cans. Other popular Irish stouts available in the U.S. markets are Murphy’s, made by the Lady’s Well Brewery in Cork, and Beamish, made by Newcastle.

Top Picks for Ireland

Guinness Draught Nitro Stout
93 points
Guinness
Draught Nitro Stout
Murky dark brown color. Roasted aromas and flavors of dark roasted nuts, chocolate bar, and hint of jerky and sausage with a satiny, bright, finely carbonated, dry medium body and a smooth, interesting, medium-long finish that exhibits notes of pumpernickel raisin toast, sweet lettuces, and latte finish. A lovely, effortlessly drinkable stout that will be great for sessions and food.
Awards: 2017 Best Dry Stout & 2017 Best Irish Beer
93 points
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Guinness Foreign Extra Stout
92 points
Guinness
Foreign Extra Stout
Brown black color. Nutty aromas and flavors of roasted nuts and dark chocolate vanilla cake with a supple, crisp, finely carbonated, dryish medium-to-full body and a tingling, interesting, long finish manifesting impressions of strong coffee and toasted meringue finish. A rich, satisfying export stout with great roasted malt flavors and a long finish.
Awards: 2017 Best Foreign/Export Stout
92 points
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Date Tasted:
Guinness 200th Anniversary Export Stout
91 points
Guinness
200th Anniversary Export Stout
Brown black color. Creamy aromas and flavors of toasted marshmallow, cappuccino foam, and pannetone with a supple, bright, finely carbonated, dryish medium body and an interesting, medium-length finish with nuances of lettuces, toasted fig bread, and cocoa dusted nuts finish. A refreshing, easy drinking stout with a nice snappy finish.
91 points
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Date Tasted:
Boyne Brewhouse Barrel Aged Imperial Stout
89 points
Boyne Brewhouse
Barrel Aged Imperial Stout
Ebony color. Aromas of chocolate biscuits, molasses, shortbread, and vanilla cola with a satiny, bright, petillant, dryish medium-full body and a tingling, delightful, medium-long leather, toffee-coated peanuts, gingerbread, dark toasted croissant, and salty espresso finish. A dry and nutty Imperial stout best served with robust beef dishes.
89 points
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Date Tasted:
Guinness Extra Stout
87 points
Guinness
Extra Stout
Dark walnut color. Roasted aromas and flavors of roasted grains, brownie crust, and hint of dried fruit with a supple, crisp, finely carbonated, dry medium body and a tingling, intricate, medium-long finish with notes of toasted dark nut bread, chocolate espresso bean, and peppered greens finish. A spot-on stout that refreshes and satisfies.
87 points
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Guinness Antwerpen Stout
85 points
Guinness
Antwerpen Stout
Nearly opaque dark brown color. Aromas and flavors of oily nuts, chocolate cookie batter, and waxy honeycomb with a satiny, crisp, finely carbonated, fruity medium body and a tingling, engaging, medium-length finish that exhibits notes of honeyed peppered kale, chocolate toffee, and sprouts finish. A nice snappy, appetizing stout that wakes the palate, a bit more of a robust export stout than a classic imperial style though.
85 points
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Date Tasted: