Image C/O pickywallpapers.com
Guinness is one of the most iconic beers on the planet. It’s the dark delicacy that, when poured just right, can be a thing of beauty. What makes Guinness so different? For many people, it’s the darkest beer they’ve ever had. The roasted, dry, burnt flavors are not apparent on many drafts in your average bar. The other noticeable difference? Nitro. Nitrogen gas not only requires the special tap that points straight down for the perfect pour, its main job is to give the one-of-a-kind, silky, creamy, milkshake-like mouthfeel that Guinness lovers covet.
So what if you’re trying to broaden your horizons? What if you want to get more into craft beer and leave behind the average tap lineup? We are going to give you our Top 5 craft beers that Guinness drinkers will love.
5. Otis – Sixpoint Brewery
Image C/O sixpoint.com
Otis is an oatmeal stout infused with Nitrogen. This beer in this can is sure to satisfy those looking for a big creamy mouthfeel. Oatmeal is an additive used to thicken the body of a beer, and Nitrogen aids in a silky smooth texture. When it comes to flavor, you can expect coffee, chocolate, and a light smokiness as well. The oatmeal is evident, as are some hops, but overall this is a great, unique stout.
4. Neapolitan Milk Stout – Saugatuck Brewery
Image C/O sommbeer.com
This one might be a bit of a stretch for the Guinness drinker that wants a bold, roasted flavor, but Saugatuck’s Neapolitan Milk Stout is absolutely delicious. As the name implies, it is somehow able to have strawberry, chocolate, and vanilla flavors into each sip. They are separate and distinct, and complimented perfectly with the lactose that makes this a “milk stout”. This is certainly one of the more unique beers we’ve ever had, and if you are lucky enough to find it on a Nitro tap, do not pass it up!
3. The Poet – New Holland Brewing
Image C/O www.nj.com
The Poet is going to give you the robustness you’re looking for, as well as some sweetness to make this beer smooth and balanced. New Holland’s award-wining stout is full of coffee and chocolate flavors, some smoke, and even some flavors reminiscent of malted milk balls. At 5.2%, The Poet is still inviting to those just reaching out into the craft beer world. If you’re looking for the dryness that Guinness offers, this might not be the beer for you, but it is a delicious deviation from the norm.
2. Brooklyn Dry Irish Stout – Brooklyn Brewery
Image C/O breweforthought.com
If you’re looking something that is closer to the Dry Irish stout that is Guinness, this is going to be your best bet. Think of this as a baby step from Guinness to other, bigger stouts. Brooklyn’s Dry Irish Stout has hints of espresso and cocoa, but is still tame enough to be enjoyed in multitudes. Remember, stouts weren’t invented to be 10% ABV, they were made to be extremely drinkable, and Brooklyn’s version is just that. The If they serve this on Nitro, watch out!
1. Nitro Milk Stout – Left Hand Brewery
Image C/O goodbeerhunting.com
This might be the most famous example of a nitro beer in the craft beer scene. Left Hand has many other beers that are Nitrogenated, but the Milk Stout is the original, and it’s amazing. You can expect a balance of sweetness and mocha flavors, but do not expect much carbonation. Like Guinness, the Nitro version of Milk Stout is more on the flat side of beer, but, if poured right, the nitrogen lends plenty of body and just hints of bubbles. If I’m in the mood for a good Milk Stout, this is the one I reach for.
– Cheers!
Written By
