There are indeed different types of Guinness available. Guinness, a renowned Irish brewery, offers a range of beers that cater to different tastes and preferences. Each type of Guinness beer has its own unique characteristics, flavors, and brewing processes, making them distinct from one another. Let's explore the seven types of Guinness beers available in the United States.
1. Guinness Draught:
– ABV (Alcohol By Volume): 4.2%
– Standard drink equivalents (12-ounce serving): 1.1
– Calories from alcohol (12-ounce serving): 42
– Guinness Draught is the most well-known and widely consumed variety. It is characterized by its smooth and creamy texture, thanks to the addition of nitrogen during the pouring process. This beer has a rich, roasted flavor with hints of coffee and dark chocolate. It is often served on tap with the iconic cascading effect, creating a visually pleasing experience.
2. Guinness Extra Stout:
– ABV: 5.6%
– Standard drink equivalents: 1.5
– Calories from alcohol: 67
– Guinness Extra Stout is a robust and full-bodied beer with a deep, dark color. It has a slightly higher alcohol content compared to Guinness Draught. This beer offers a bold and rich flavor profile, featuring notes of roasted malt, bitter chocolate, and a hint of caramel sweetness. It has a smooth and dry finish, making it a favorite among stout enthusiasts.
3. Guinness Foreign Extra Stout:
– ABV: 7.5%
– Standard drink equivalents: 2
– Calories from alcohol: 90
– Guinness Foreign Extra Stout is a stronger and more intense version of the classic Guinness stout. It is brewed with a higher alcohol content and a greater amount of hops, giving it a bolder flavor profile. This beer offers complex flavors of dark fruit, roasted malt, and a pronounced bitterness. It has a slightly sweet and malty finish, making it a popular choice for those seeking a more robust stout experience.
4. Guinness Nitro IPA:
– ABV: 4.5%
– Standard drink equivalents: 1.2
– Calories from alcohol: 45
– Guinness Nitro IPA combines the traditional Irish brewing heritage with the hop-forward characteristics of an American IPA. This beer boasts a smooth and creamy texture, thanks to the addition of nitrogen. It features a balanced hop bitterness with citrusy and floral hop flavors, complemented by a biscuity malt backbone. The Nitro IPA offers a unique twist to the classic IPA style.
5. Guinness Rye Pale Ale:
– ABV: 5%
– Standard drink equivalents: 1.3
– Calories from alcohol: 50
– Guinness Rye Pale Ale is a modern interpretation of a pale ale, infused with the distinctive flavors of rye malt. It has a medium body and a reddish-amber color. This beer offers a pleasant balance between the spicy and earthy notes of rye and the citrusy hop flavors. It has a crisp and refreshing finish, making it a great choice for those who enjoy a bit of complexity in their beer.
6. Guinness Blonde American Lager:
– ABV: 5%
– Standard drink equivalents: 1.3
– Calories from alcohol: 50
– Guinness Blonde American Lager is a departure from the traditional stout offerings of Guinness. It is a light and crisp lager with a golden color. This beer features a subtle malt sweetness and a mild hop bitterness. It has a clean and refreshing taste, making it an easy-drinking option for those who prefer lighter beers.
7. Guinness Antwerpen Stout:
– ABV: 8%
– Standard drink equivalents: 2.2
– Calories from alcohol: 96
– Guinness Antwerpen Stout is a limited-edition beer that pays homage to the original Guinness recipes brewed in the Guinness brewery in Antwerp, Belgium. It is a full-bodied stout with a rich and complex flavor profile. This beer offers notes of roasted malt, dark chocolate, and hints of dark fruit. It has a velvety smooth texture and a warming alcohol presence, making it a bold and indulgent choice for stout enthusiasts.
It's worth noting that the ABV, standard drink equivalents, and calories from alcohol provided above are approximate values and may vary slightly depending on the specific batch and serving size. Additionally, availability may vary by location, so it's always best to check with your local retailer or bar to see which Guinness beers they offer.
As a sommelier and brewer, I have had the pleasure of experiencing and appreciating the different types of Guinness beers. Each variety offers a unique taste experience, allowing beer enthusiasts to explore a range of flavors within the Guinness brand. Whether you prefer the smooth and creamy Guinness Draught or the bold and robust Guinness Foreign Extra Stout, there is a Guinness beer to suit every palate. So go ahead, indulge in the world of Guinness and discover your favorite brew.