Guinness Draught

Brewed by St. James’s Gate (Diageo)
Style: Dry Stout
Dublin, Ireland

I have very mixed emotions about this beer, for the reason that it was the first beer I ever tried that really challenged my pallet. Up to that point (19 years old) I had been stuck in the beer purgatory of B-M-C, with the occasional Rolling Rock or Corona. Since my foray into stranger, more aggressive brews, I’ve gained an appreciation for this one and other beers of that ilk. Dark pour and creamy white crown. Thick silty headiness to the taste, bitterness. Filling. It’s a solid brew, but I have never gotten past the memory of my initial beer culture shock.

Bottle and Tap. What can I say that hasn’t been said. A true standard around the world! God love it!

Great stuff, thick and heady. Obviously the best off of a tap. I can only drink about two though before my stomach begins to feel really full.

Presentation: It was poured from a brown 12oz bottle with a plastic covering and label into a pint glass. It has a dark opaque color with a supper aggressive light brown bubbling action that takes a minute to settle out. (Very cool!) After it settles it forms a thick, supper creamy, tan head. Its head is stiff, has great retention time and leaves light tan rings of lace on the glass. The aroma is of fresh baked bread and barely malt. Its flavor is smooth and buttery with some mild toasted and bready notes. The palate is smooth and a bit thin with a light to medium body and mellow carbonation. The finish is rather dry with some hop bitterness. Defiantly one of the most recognizable stouts with that sweet looking head and deep dark color.

Bottle (with widget) pours a rich, robust black with hints of red when held up to the light. A creamy tan head settles on top like a soft blanket and coats an entire side of the glass as you drink. Aromas of roasted malts, coffee, bittersweet chocolate, and tobacco. Creamy mouthfeel with bitter flavor of roasted malts, a faint coffee aftertaste. Not as full flavored as most stouts, but still enjoyable. Always a good standby choice at bars with a limited import selection.

11.2oz bottle. Classic black color with a solid off-white head. Watery mouthfeel with no real carbonation. Malty, creamy, and rich while still remaining delicate. Some hop bitterness laced into the chocolaty roasted malt profile. Practically an institution, this is certainly a beer to respect and enjoy.

Before I really got into craft beers this was about all I ever drank and even now it’s nice to step back and have one. It’s like running into an old friend.

Head. Creamy white cloud; everlasting. The last sip will be a marshmallow of head. It has defined St. Patrick’s Day. This can be enjoyed anytime anywhere. A true landmark to beer. Great caramel malt!