Guinness Generous Ale - Guinness Ltd.

Jason

Massachusetts

3.33/5  rDev -1.5%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.25 | taste: 3.25 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.25

11.2oz brown bottle with no freshness date.

Reddish brown with ample head. Mild caramel in the nose with bready undertones and a faintness hop hop ... very clean. Some smoothness, mildy crisp with a moderate sized body. Toasted grain, hint of roastiness, grape skin, slightly metallic, slightly sharp bitterness, kiss of caramel, wet body, bone dry finish. Not sure what to think here, not much of a winter ale ... of body nor strength. I guess I expected a bit more, just seems a bit overly processed.

Serving type: bottle

02-19-2013 04:58:01 | More by Jason

AOber7

3.35/5  rDev -0.9%
look: 3.5 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

Mahogany in color. It has a nice head but it dissipates fairly quickly.

It has a slight malty smell to it but not much else.

The taste is sweet while slightly hoppy.

Smooth mouthfeel with a medium body.

Overall it's a fairly plain but easy drinking beer. I probably wouldn't buy it again for myself but it's a good pick to bring to something like a family party.

Serving type: bottle

11-14-2012 02:46:19 | More by AOber7

dhannes

Wisconsin

3.35/5  rDev -0.9%
look: 2.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Poured from bottle into a Guinness pint glass.

A=A rather unappealing brown, with almost a gray tint. Eggshell head was present for about a minute.

S=Molasses smell hindered by my stuffy nose.

T=Mix of syrup and hops and a bit less robust than anticipated, but with more hop presence than other Guinness offerings. Malted flavoring as well...reminds me of what an IPA mixed with a Red Lager and a light beer would taste like.

M=Very drinkable, but somewhat watery.

O=While the flavor that is there is appealing, the light body tapers the flavor. I'd try again, but likely won't buy this if better beers are available.

Serving type: bottle

12-31-2012 23:59:29 | More by dhannes

barczar

Kentucky

3.36/5  rDev -0.6%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.25 | feel: 3.25 | overall: 3.5

Pours a clear medium brown with a one inch cream head that dissipates with moderate speed, leaving thick lacing.

Toasted walnuts, nutty, lightly roasted malt, a fruity character, and floral hops form the aroma.

Cherries and a sour note form the initial flavor profile, with nutty, bready, slightly roasted malt hitting mid-palate, carrying into a heavily roasty, bitter finish.

Body is fairly light, with moderate carbonation and a charred finish, with an astringent bite.

Wish the malt character were less roasted/charred. Finish is pretty harsh. Sourness is also a bit odd.

Serving type: bottle

01-14-2013 19:36:25 | More by barczar

barnzy78

Illinois

3.38/5  rDev 0%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5

Pours a nice ruby reddish brown topped with a frothy ivory head that holds good retention & leaves some sticky lacing on its way down. Aromas are yeast, grain, metallic, earthy, woodsy. Tastes are spicy, earthy, some roast, more bitter than expected, metallic, burnt caramel, some mild earthy pine on the finish. Thinner body with a dry finish from the roasted barley. Overall, somewhat different & not what i expected, but actually quite pleasant.

Serving type: bottle

12-19-2012 13:26:33 | More by barnzy78

Billolick

New York

3.4/5  rDev +0.6%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

12 ounce bottle w/o freshness of bottling date info.

Pours medium brown under a moderate khaki head that leaves a thin collar and minor bits of lacing.

I get just a faint whiff of bread on the nostrils.

Nondescript malty brew. British all the way in style and character. Bready malts, with very subtle hopping to provide balance and drinkability. Not bad, but nothing special. Just a decent drinking, malt brew with decent drinkability.

Fine to be part of a bath/marinade for some chicken or pork

Serving type: bottle

12-06-2012 01:00:41 | More by Billolick

emerge077

Illinois

3.43/5  rDev +1.5%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Poured into a pint glass, it's a dark brown color with light tan foam on the surface. When held to the light, it has a transparent reddish glow, with good clarity. Lasting skim after a couple sips, a collar of lacework forms in the glass. A good swirl rekindles the head quickly.

Dull grainy aroma, minerally, eh... Not much there, mediocre.

Smooth with a hint of nutty, earthy malts, light raisin bread aftertaste. Vague fruity esters. Very light and easy drinking with lower carbonation, true to style. Overall it's not a bad dark mild, as long as you know what you're drinking.

Serving type: bottle

12-30-2012 04:01:07 | More by emerge077

secondtooth

Indiana

3.45/5  rDev +2.1%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5

Clean ruby-brown upon pouring, with a decent head of off-white foam. Lace is nice but erratic.

Nose is roasty barley, with a sweet malty tone -- definitely grains, but with almost a hint of fruit somehow. Not bad.

Taste is similar -- roasty and flavorful, yet light in body. There's a definite tinge of bittering hops within the mix, but the roasty malts are most prevalent. This is a rich and easy-drinking ale, not great but certainly a nice change from the usual Guinness.

Serving type: bottle

12-06-2012 22:13:58 | More by secondtooth

Damian74Shensky

South Carolina

3.48/5  rDev +3%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5

I poured a bottle into a pint glass.

A- dark brown color with a finger of head. Light amount of lace.

S- Toasted malts and a little caramel.

T- A little hoppy note with also notes of roasted malt and caramel.

M- medium bodied. Smooth with an average amount of carbonation.

Overall- Thought it had real possibility of being a good Guinness beer. But...it was alright was hoping for better.

Serving type: bottle

12-18-2012 19:47:40 | More by Damian74Shensky

hosehead83

Ohio

3.53/5  rDev +4.4%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Poured into a standard pint glass.
Deep amber in color, with a short but sturdy oatmal-like cap of foam.
Aroma-Faint toasted barley
Taste-Toasted malt and barley, faint hop note throughout. Easy drinkability with a little higher ABV than traditional stout. A mild ale to be sure, but with "Generous" in the name I was expecting a little bit more in the flavor department. Worth a try.

Serving type: bottle

12-10-2012 22:31:48 | More by hosehead83

DavidST

Texas

3.53/5  rDev +4.4%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Poured from a 33cl bottle into a pint glass, coded bottle date. This pours a clear amber color with a large tan head which has good retention and leaves a lacing. The smells are of bread malts, nutty smells, and a little hops. The feel is medium. The taste is good enough, a little bitterness some nice bread malts and a little toffee.

Serving type: bottle

01-02-2013 04:21:53 | More by DavidST

TempeBeerMan

Arizona

3.55/5  rDev +5%
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 4 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5

Poured from a bottle into a dimpled mug.

A - Clear red-brown with two-finger off white head, with decent retention. Some patchy lacing.

S - Mild aroma of caramel malt and ale yeasts. A hint of spicy hop. Smells decent enough.

T - Caramel malts forward, with an herbal/spicy twang in the mid-palate. Sweet and toasty, but thankfully without becoming dextrin-y. Ale yeasts add a tiny hint of ripe apple fruitiness. Has a bit of a eucalyptus leaf finish. (not a bad thing by any means) Well balanced, but also as the name suggests, very mild. Dont detect many winter spices though.

M - Light bodied, medium carbonation. "Wet" finish. Very drinkable.

O - My first exposure to this style, and I enjoyed it enough to have no problem finishing the bottle. Not a "holiday" brew, but interesting in it's own right. Would make a nice session brew. Dont know that I'd rush to buy it again, but glad I had it.

Serving type: bottle

12-19-2012 03:57:29 | More by TempeBeerMan

DrDemento456

Pennsylvania

3.58/5  rDev +5.9%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Mixed and matched this at the House of 1,000 beers

A - Deliverers on look with a 1/2 inch of opaque colored head and the beer itself is a clear dark ruby brown with a ton of carbonation bubbles.

S - Mild skunk with a touch of nutty and a bit of caramel like malt. Skunky hops perhaps?

T - It's definitely dry with an herbal tea character, skunky yeast flavors, some nuttiness with a bit of tea in the finish. Not terrible it grows on you as you drink.

M - Medium bodied, somewhat chewy, not very mild.

Overall nothing to run out and get seconds but not a bad winter ale.

Serving type: bottle

01-20-2013 01:13:52 | More by DrDemento456

BlurryVisi0n

New York

3.58/5  rDev +5.9%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

Served in a pint glass.

Appearance: A deep dark amber still comes off clear with a nice thick off-white head. Head rose to about 1/2" at minimum granted I had a pretty vigorous pour.

Smell: From the beginning the scent that this brew pushes is more like light barley, light hops and not bad

Taste: Rich hop taste comes off creamy little like a marzen. Has almost a sweet feel of brown sugar but still bitter...no complaints just something a little different.

Mouth: Medium carbonation that feels heavy at times. But overall crisp, slight toasty.

Overall: Good beer picked up from a variety pack I saw at the store. Easily money well spent considering the other gems that came along with this one. If you see it definitely worth your attention drink and enjoy.

Serving type: bottle

02-06-2013 06:13:36 | More by BlurryVisi0n

Treyliff

West Virginia

3.6/5  rDev +6.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

A- pours a dark copper brown with a thick and creamy white head with long retention and solid lacing.

S-grainy with toasted malt, metallic, some sweet caramel

T- malty profile up front, toasted bread crust with some grains, finishes bone dry with just enough hop profile to be noticed.

M- true to the style, very low carbonation with a medium body. Just a bit of bubbles give way to a super creamy mouthfeel and finish.

O- this one wasn't complex by any means, but it is very drinkable and would make a solid session choice. It's like a lighter tasting ale version of Guinness draught.

Serving type: bottle

12-27-2012 03:18:00 | More by Treyliff

Stinkypuss

Pennsylvania

3.63/5  rDev +7.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Guinness Generous Ale (Arthur's Holiday Ale)

Brewed in honor of the brewer and figure head but makes no claims this is an old recipe

LOOK: Deep copper or light brown, white long standing foam forms and leaves a good amount of webbed lacing.

SMELL: Bready and chocolatey , with a presence of highly toasted malts. And that signature yeast strain smell so you know it's a Guinness product. Barley malt all day.

TASTE/FEEL: Light bodied ale punching through the stinging carbonation come some noble hops, caramel and toast. Herbal flavors and palate coating yeast. Touch of tangy English ale yeast flavor which sticks out more here than in the very roasty Guinness Draught. A touch of brown sugar and hint of molasses. Leafy hops, a bit oily and slick. Still, an easy, refreshing, quaffable drinker. All the flavors are fairly mild, so this at least lives up to the name of the general style.

OVERALL: A simple but respectable beer, with a little signature Guinness type flavor. Generous Ale actually was a bit like Smithwicks but lighter bodied, more roasted and hoppier. This makes a solid choice for a session beer. Would pair well with smoked or grilled cheddarwurst.

Serving type: bottle

12-23-2012 02:13:22 | More by Stinkypuss

Jadjunk

Georgia

3.64/5  rDev +7.7%
look: 2.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 3.75

"Guinness Generous Ale celebrates Arthur's legacy as a brewer of styles with generous flavor and his commitment to the welfare of his employees & the community. Guinness Generous Ale is a full-bodied winter ale, balancing a subtle hop flavor with roasted barley character. Celebrate the spirit of the holidays with this special ale." Generous Ale is brewed in the style of an English Dark Mild Ale. Available exclusively as part of the Guinness Winter Variety Mix Pack.

Poured from a 12 oz. bottle to a pint glass. Served above 51º Fahrenheit.

(Appearance) Pours a thin creamy dirty white head that recedes briskly. Body color is a deep amber brown with very deep red tones. Carbonation is mild. Light frothy surface cover and very light lacing. Appearance is decent but certainly capable of much more. 2.75

(Smell) Aroma is chock full of sweet caramel candied malts, notes of light buttery toffee and a low alpha earthy hop blend for a mild bitterness. Very faint graininess in the aroma, mostly clean aroma. Balance is slightly sweet but hop presence is certainly evident. Potency is medium. Smells pleasing with a substantial body. 3.75

(Taste) Flavors are much like the aroma, with a faintly husky medium roasted caramel and english pale malt blend, some notes of sweet toffee. Hop presence is earthy and mildly bitter, a touch spicy but full in flavor. Mild warming finish with a very faint touch of alcohol. Flavors are pleasant despite being a style I am not too familiar with, I found the flavor to be enjoyable. 3.5

(Mouthfeel) Very low carbonation, quite slick and slightly chewy with a touch of body. Alcohol presence is low but discernible. Body is medium for the style, medium overall. Carbonation is appropriate for the style- very faint but still contributing to the characters of the beer. 4.25

(Overall) It's an interesting experience drinking something labeled Guinness that isn't a stout (or a black lager, for that matter) but this beer is a very decent take on a hard to find style in the states, following the style rules while not making any shortcuts on body, flavor and balance. The flavor is simple and to the point, but not shallow on the malt or hop character. Simple and without curveballs are always an enjoyable way to go for a traditionalist's sake. Overall it's a drinkable English Dark Mild and certainly worthy of a wide release. 3.75

Guinness Ltd.'s
Guinness Generous Ale
3.64/5.00

Serving type: bottle

01-30-2013 02:37:42 | More by Jadjunk

tone77

Pennsylvania

3.65/5  rDev +8%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

I am kind of surprised to see this listed as a mild ale at 5.6%. Poured from a brown 11.2 oz. bottle. Has a deep hazelnut color with a 1/2 inch head. Smell is of malts, bready. Taste is malty, toasty, light hops, very easy drinking. Feels medium bodied in the mouth and overall a highly drinkable and enjoyable beer.

Serving type: bottle

12-29-2012 02:39:04 | More by tone77

tito42

Missouri

3.65/5  rDev +8%
look: 3.25 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Poured from bottle to an imperial pint. Purchased from the winter sampler. 11.2 oz :(

A: Between chestnut and ruby, clear, with active carbonation and a foamy tannish head.

S: Roasted malt and barley, popcorn butter, plums, grassy hops.

T: Toasted grains and adjuncts, buttery diacetyl, plum, grassy hops.

M: Medium bodied with a zesty, dry finish.

O: Much better than the black lager, this is a decent seasonal English Ale.

Serving type: bottle

01-15-2013 02:53:46 | More by tito42

Minkybut

Virginia

3.7/5  rDev +9.5%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

I poured this beer into my tumbler at 45 degrees. The beer was a pretty brunette with a very nice amber colored head. The beer had good lacing. The head was big bubbles which is okay, I like fine. The taste was goodness as expected from a Guinness. Not as heavy as regular Guinness but more taste than the new black lager. I will buy again.

Serving type: bottle

12-10-2012 17:00:53 | More by Minkybut

puboflyons

New Hampshire

3.73/5  rDev +10.4%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

From the 11.2 fl. oz. bottle stamped 05:40-L2245G00002. Sampled on 12/12/12.

The pour is a mahogany brown with reasonable clarity and an off-white head that sticks around until I finish the glass.

The aroma reminds me of all the Guinness brews I have had with a sweet dark maltiness. The twist is that I also pick up a slight nutty character.

The body is about medium but it is creamy and smooth.

The taste starts a little sweet but it immediately finishes with an acidic bitterness that lingers for a slight moment at the end. For a holiday brew there really isn't anything that jumps out as unique but it is entirely drinkable.

Serving type: bottle

12-13-2012 02:24:24 | More by puboflyons

punky796

Michigan

3.73/5  rDev +10.4%
look: 3.25 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75

Poured from the bottle into a pint glass.

A - Dark brown but clear, about a finger of head, medium lacing.

S - Brown sugar, barley malt, earthiness.

T - Molasses, barley malt, a touch of the coffee & chocolate that characterize regular Guinness. A little hop and other grains.

M - As seems to be my usual perception with anything lately, a bit too carbonated and heavy on alcohol taste, but finishes smoother than it swirls. Kinda bitter.

O - I was excited to try something different from Guinness, but this is a bit disappointing. That being said, I'll still take it before lots of things and don't regret at least trying it.

Serving type: bottle

01-09-2013 09:02:19 | More by punky796

schoolboy

Ohio

3.75/5  rDev +10.9%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75

This is another thoroughly enjoyable Guinness. As a beer snob, we sometimes shun the big brewers, but this is a very nice, unique drink.

It opens black and fragrant. Not nearly opaque, but really dark with a light to moderate head. The malty aroma is nice. The taste is slightly sweet and malty with good balance.

The aftertaste is nice and overall its a good experience. Like most Guinness products, it is an underrated session beer.

Serving type: bottle

02-10-2013 01:21:48 | More by schoolboy

plaid75

New York

3.76/5  rDev +11.2%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4

Poured a dark copper hue with a two finger foamy white head. There was good retention and lacing.

The smell featured light earthy caramel malts and a subtle grassy hop.

The taste consisted of grainy roasted malts and a full sharp earthiness. Utilitarian grassy hop tightened up the flavor.

The mouthfeel was clean with a very dry finish.

Overall a tasty Irish Red Ae.

Serving type: bottle

02-15-2013 03:54:17 | More by plaid75

Uniobrew31

Pennsylvania

3.78/5  rDev +11.8%
look: 5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Real good beer, More of a traditional ale... not a "hop bomb". Think bass ale with a shot of guinness poured in. This was a very drinkable, smooth beer with a very mild flavor and the aftertaste of guinness. I only wish they sold it separately if only to be able to enjoy a few of these rather than only getting three per twelve pack. I look to see it next year in its own package.

Serving type: bottle

11-28-2012 01:28:35 | More by Uniobrew31