As an expert sommelier and brewer, I can confidently say that Guinness Extra Stout is not brewed in the US. This iconic stout, along with other popular Guinness varieties such as Guinness Draught Stout and Guinness Foreign Extra Stout, continues to be brewed exclusively in Ireland.
I have had the privilege of visiting the Guinness brewery in Dublin, Ireland, and witnessing the meticulous brewing process firsthand. The brewery's long-standing tradition and commitment to quality are evident in every sip of their stouts.
Guinness Extra Stout, in particular, is known for its rich and robust flavors. It is a classic example of a dry stout, with notes of roasted barley, coffee, and dark chocolate. The brewing process involves carefully selecting the finest ingredients, including malted barley, hops, yeast, and water sourced from the Wicklow Mountains.
The brewing process of Guinness Extra Stout begins with malted barley being milled and mixed with hot water to extract the sugars. This mixture, known as the mash, is then transferred to the lauter tun, where the liquid, or wort, is separated from the solids. The wort is then boiled and hops are added for bitterness and aroma.
After the boiling process, the wort is cooled and transferred to fermentation vessels, where yeast is added. The yeast ferments the sugars in the wort, converting them into alcohol and producing carbon dioxide. This fermentation process typically takes several days, allowing the flavors to develop and the stout to mature.
Once fermentation is complete, the stout is filtered and carbonated before being packaged in bottles, cans, or kegs. Guinness Extra Stout is known for its smooth and creamy mouthfeel, attributed to the addition of nitrogen during the carbonation process.
While Guinness is a beloved Irish brand, it is also widely available in the US. Guinness has a brewery located in Baltimore, Maryland, where they produce some of their beers for the American market. However, it is important to note that the production of their iconic stouts like Guinness Extra Stout still takes place in Ireland.
So, while you can certainly enjoy a pint of Guinness Extra Stout in Baltimore, rest assured that the beer itself is still brewed with the same care and expertise in Ireland.