Murphy's Irish Stout - Murphy Brewery Ireland Limited

rickyleepotts

Arizona

1.84/5  rDev -50.5%
look: 2.25 | smell: 1.25 | taste: 2 | feel: 2.75 | overall: 1.5

In the Glass: This beer poured thick, and with a TON of bubbles. Not overly carbonated, but just the way this style was pours. If you ever see a bar pour a Guinness, a similar style, they will take several minutes to properly pour the beer. I am not sure the saying… but I think it is supposed to take 90 seconds, or more to properly pour a Guinness. That is what this beer reminds me of. The head, by the time the beer settles, is thick and creamy. That is the best way to explain this beer. Creamy. The beer has a nice lace, too.

Nose: There isn't a lot of aroma here, but what I am getting is a hint of chocolate. I have to take a deep breath to get much. I am also blown away with the low ABV on this can. 4% isn't even enough to write home about. Of course, at 4% I could drink a gallon of this and not even know it! I hope the flavor is better than the aroma.

Flavor: This is better than Guinness… a little more flavor than Guinness. Sorry I keep comparing this beer to that, but that is what it reminds me of. I just took a bite of BBQ, and they were right… it IS a good pairing. I must say, I wouldn't order this in a bar. I WOULD order this when in Ireland, but I wouldn't order it here. Beers over there taste better, anyway.

Mouthfeel: Creamy. It looked creamy in the glass and has a very thick and creamy mouthfeel. I bet this beer would taste best room temperature in a room temperature glass. Typically I like beers with low carbonation, and while there are a lot of bubbles in the glass, the beer isn't very carbonated. I even swished the last drink around in my mouth, and nothing. Quite frankly, the flavor is boring. I will say I am not getting the metallic flavor that I expect from most Irish dry stouts.

Aftertaste: What aftertaste? I drink, there is a hint of flavor, and then it's gone again. There is literally no aftertaste here. I also like how they spell draft. On the can it says, "DRAUGHT STYLE". That is not how you spell draft! Oh well. I will give this beer credit for the style… but just not for me.

Serving type: can

05-16-2013 20:21:20 | More by rickyleepotts

metter98

New York

3.78/5  rDev +1.6%
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4

A: The beer is clear but extremely dark amber in color (black when viewed from afar) It poured with a finger high creamy tan head that has good retention properties, consistently leaving a thin head covering the surface and coating the sides of the glass.
S: Light aromas of coffee and roasted malts are present in the nose.
T: The taste is similar to the smell but has stronger flavors of coffee and roasted malts along with a light amount of bitterness.
M: It feels light-bodied, smooth and a little creamy and thin on the palate with a low to moderate amount of carbonation. Hints of dryness are also perceptible.
O: This beer is very drinkable and goes down easily. The smooth and creamy nature from the nitro-can help to make up for the thin mouthfeel.

Serving type: nitro-can

04-12-2013 12:59:03 | More by metter98

MikeAAL

Wisconsin

4.04/5  rDev +8.6%
look: 4.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

This is better than I expected it to be. It has a lot more flavor than Guinness.

It has a thick creamy, white/tan head. A dark, black color (Black Beer).

Smells like coffee and roasted malts.

It has a lot more flavor compared to Guninness. It tastes like coffee and roasted malts. Nothing offputting.

Creamy mouthfeel with a dry finish.

Overall, it's a pretty good beer. I would take a Murphy's over a Guinness any day.

Serving type: nitro-can

04-05-2013 17:54:16 | More by MikeAAL

richj1970

Alabama

3.48/5  rDev -6.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.5

Poured from 16 oz can into nonic pint glass.

A: Very beautiful beer. Pours with a fantastic cascading head. Once it settles, the beer is nearly pitch black with nice 2-3 finger extremely creamy tan head. Nice lacing on the glass.

S: Almost non-existent. Some malts and bread. Leaves me wanting something more here.

T: Very creamy and dry. No big flavors here, but it is an easy sipper.

M: A bit thin and watery for my taste, but the creamy texture in nice.

O: A decent example of Irish Stout, and a nice alternative to Guinesss. I used another can for my Irish stew which turned out fantastic. this past weekend, and that might be a better use for this brew.

Serving type: can

03-21-2013 23:16:50 | More by richj1970

steveh

Illinois

4.15/5  rDev +11.6%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5

So I happened on some of this for St. Pat's, not having tried it in a while (and having never reviewed it?), thought I'd give it a go. I used to drink this on and off in the mid-90s, usually rotating with Guinness Draught and Beamish -- when that was available.

"Imported" from Edinburgh, Scotland? Yeah, brewed at the Scottish & Newcastle brewery, now owned by Heineken, "under supervision of Murphy Brewery Ireland Ltd."

16 oz. can (in answer to a thread started today) with a Julian code on the bottom: canned on July 29, 2012. Poured into my Guinness imperial pint.

A -- Deep, dark black with ruby highlights when a Mag-Lite is held at the pint's base. Very long-lasting, creamy tan head.

S -- Creamy cocoa characters and roasted barley.

F -- Cocoa or milk chocolate characters up front blending into mellow roasted malt. Finishing dry with roasted malt, but still carrying a lingering cocoa finish.

M -- Light medium body with a smooth & creamy mouthfeel up front finishing dry.

O -- A great example of the style. "Better" than Guinness Draught? Not particularly, but just the mildest difference in having more chocolate character than the roasted, coffee-like character in the Guinness.

Serving type: nitro-can

03-20-2013 20:52:45 | More by steveh

bambam2517

Arizona

3.81/5  rDev +2.4%
look: 4.75 | smell: 3.25 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75

Fulfilling the Irish constituent of my St. Paddys celebrating, mixed with Sierra Nevada PA in a Black n Tan upgrade. Came out great this way...

16oz nitro-can into a pub glass in this instance, but I've had it other ways in the past. It does seem better on draft but I'll keep my comments to this sampling for now.

A - This is where it shines, one of the prettiest beers I drink. Been doing alot of Stouts this past few months and this is tops for looks. Creamy billowy mocha froth when poured, looks like a thundercloud building up. Settles into an inky black body with a meringue-like mocha head. Sitcks around and laces nicely.

S - Mostly roasted malt, for what smell there is. A bit lacking here.

T - Roasted malt and coffee flavors, bit of unsweetened chocolate comes in at the finish.

M - Very creamy, then slick mid-palate and a watery finish. Starts off with a boom and ends with a fizzle.

O - For me its an occasion beer. I prefer it to Guiness (from here in the States anyway), but other than drinking "Irish" I'll get my stouts elsewhere. Too many good craft stouts out there to be stuck with this...

Serving type: nitro-can

03-18-2013 20:39:44 | More by bambam2517

silverking

Florida

3.41/5  rDev -8.3%
look: 4.75 | smell: 2.75 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

A- When first poured, the "waterfall" head is gorgeous. Once things die down, the beer is a very dark reddish brown. It has a creamy, off white head with unbelievable lacing. The head lasts all the way to the bottoem of the glass.

S- Pretty tame, some very light notes of coffee.

T- Coffee, dark roasted malt, a little smokey. The finish is dry, bitter, and astringent.

M- IT feels a little too watery for my liking. The carbonation is so low it's almost a still beer, which isn't a complaint.

O- I figured I'd try a new Irish beer for St. Patty's day, but upon further inspection I found that this beer is brewed in the UK. It loses some style points there. Overall, it looks amazing in the glass, but it lacks any real aroma or a heavy mouthfeel that I expect from stouts.

Serving type: nitro-can

03-17-2013 16:59:21 | More by silverking

Moose90

Colorado

3.84/5  rDev +3.2%
look: 4.75 | smell: 3 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

A – Pours a creamy dark brown, with a nice waterfall thanks to the nitro. Head is thick, lingering and light tan, almost looks like the color on the outside of the can. This looks really good in the glass.

S – Kind of boring, certainly some roasted malts and some lactose, but that is pretty much it. Standard for the style

T – Light notes of roasted malts, coffee and some chocolate. Nothing comes up and grabs you, quite dry, and flavors are quite understated.

M – Overall this is quite thin, and drinkable. It does have somewhat of a lingering creaminess, but nothing too cloying or sweet. Again, this is dry, and nicely so.

O – Good beer, the style itself leads to beers that are for the most part underwhelming. This beer however is one of the best looking beers I have ever seen. It tastes standard for the style, though perhaps a bit better, it doesn't have the earthy/dirt notes of some of its competitors. This is easy drinking, and leaves you wanting more.

Serving type: nitro-can

03-17-2013 07:19:48 | More by Moose90

EternalCask

Connecticut

4.36/5  rDev +17.2%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.25

In keeping with the holiday, I've decided to approach a traditional nitro tapped stout for the first time with some actually useful stylistical context

A- deep burnt sienna... Throws some auburn on the edges... Half inch head...looks like a giant espresso doppio

S-roasting coffee, rubosto cigar.. Slightest hint of allspice

T- smoky caramel, more coffee some notes of rhubarb pie!

M- light but deep, bouncy but rich..not slippery

O- since my beer journey has started in earnest.. It feels good to review a commonly familiar style. The mouthfeel offered more and more with each sip.

Serving type: nitro-tap

03-17-2013 03:57:51 | More by EternalCask

timn

Kentucky

3.74/5  rDev +0.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75

A: Pours a dark brown until it settles. Once it settles, it is a nice pitch black with a thick tan head. One of the nicer-looking beers you'll see in a glass.

S: Not a lot in the way of aroma here. Some roasted barley or malt, but not a lot else. Pretty similar to Guinness and other Irish stouts.

T: A consistent light flavor of roasted barley with some coffee undertones. The taste is solid and good, but nothing stands out or hits hard.

M: The head is great -- nice and thick and creamy. Once you get past that, though, Murphy's is quite thin. You barely notice you're drinking it. This isn't the "beer milkshake" type of mouthfeel that is popular with a lot of stouts nowadays, but it works for an Irish Dry stout. The head is the standout here, by far.

O: I tried Murphy's on a whim one day instead of buying Guinness, and enjoyed it at the time. Grabbed a 4-pack of cans for St. Patrick's Day this year and still found this a pleasing, easy-drinking Irish stout. If you're looking for a thick, complex, meal-in-a-can type of stout, this isn't it. This one is made for drinking a few in a sitting, or maybe having one with a meal or a snack. Pretty comparable to a Guinness, though maybe a little more flavorful.

Serving type: nitro-can

03-17-2013 03:43:30 | More by timn

AnalogReigns

North Carolina

4.41/5  rDev +18.5%
look: 4.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

An excellent dry irish stout. Better than Guiness, IMHO, though Beamish may have it beat.

I'm not a huge stout drinker...tending to pay attention to it mostly around St. Patrick's day, however, as a rule, I prefer Imperial Stouts (high gravity/alcohol) to dry Irish ones. Of course Imperial stouts are sweeter, and usually more complex, than the authentic dry Irish style. Still, simplicity is a beautiful thing, as I've learned with German beers...and Murphy's is simple, and great.

Serving type: nitro-can

03-15-2013 19:29:48 | More by AnalogReigns

lacqueredmouse

Australia

4.28/5  rDev +15.1%
look: 4.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5

Tall, 500ml nitro-pressurised can with widget, purchased from Dan Murphy's in Alexandria.

Hisses with that gorgeous nitro explosion on opening, and pours a creamy off-white, which settles into a persistent reverse cascade, eventually (after quite a few sighs) resulting in a clear, red-tinged black, with a perfect cream of head. Lacing is spectacular, as expected. Very fine bubbling as it's tilted. Really, it looks just about picture-perfect. Just about as good as an Irish Stout can look, and almost as perfect as you can expect from a can.

Nose is smooth and creamy. No roast, perhaps a slight grainy toastiness, but more of that rich thick cream, some vanilla, and a suggestion of sweet spices: cinnamon and nutmeg—perhaps the only true darker tones to the aroma. Very nice.

Taste is clean and light. Smooth, creamy entrance. More spice, nutmeg, and a slight minerally character. Again, very little true roast: there's a tickle on the back of mild toasty darkness, and a synergy between the darkness, the mineral character and even a suggestion of smoke that leaves a slight phosphorous character lingering. It's very nice and very smooth.

Feel is as you would expect. Extremely creamy with almost no noticeable carbonation. Despite the richness it's relatively light, meaning it doesn't cloy in the mouth.

I really love a good Irish Stout, and I think this is a particularly good one. It's certainly much, much better than the locally contract-brewed Guinness you'd get here in Australia. At 4% ABV, this is exquisitely sessionable. Indeed, the whole can went down without a question, and I'm already craving another.

Serving type: nitro-can

03-09-2013 05:17:24 | More by lacqueredmouse

PaterMorse

Indiana

3.61/5  rDev -3%
look: 4.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 3.75

Today was a quick taste test between stout macro-brews: Guinness Draught, Guinness Extra Stout, and Murphy's Stout.

A: Pours black. Head -- fluffy snow-drift white at first, turnng slightly tan over time. Ever-present to the end; very LOOONG lasting. The ideal in consistency, if not simple/one-dimensonal in color.

S: Pleasing enough, yet one-dimensional. Nice, smooth "sout" scent, with chocolate notes. Faint roasted barley. Sweet. Nothing remarkable, other than a total absence of drawbacks.

T: VERY thin, almost watery. Extremely easy sipper. Dry, begs for another sip. Creamy, no bite (for better or worse).

M: Pretty lame -- really, like swishing your own spit. Leaves bitter unpleasing after-taste.

O: Very smooth, but actually too smooth. Velvety feel, no bite -- but it's so noticeably missing that it's a little disconcerting. If you can get past that, EASIEST DRINKER of any stouts yet. Bottom line: largely unremarkable, but perfectly fine staple for serving...

Repeat? Yes, for quantity and price sake. Serve to newbies, serve to down a lot; but I wouldn't reach for it over other more complex / interesting stouts (and would probably rather have a Guinness Draught when comparing these two softer beers).

Where Ideal? Bonfire, tailgate, party when introducing newbies to stout.

Two Words: Flimsy Staple

Serving type: nitro-can

03-02-2013 17:30:02 | More by PaterMorse

Beerstorian

District of Columbia

3.91/5  rDev +5.1%
look: 4.75 | smell: 3 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4

Served from a nitro-can into a standard pint glass.

Aroma: Very light, with a slight sweet malt. Some roastiness in the background. Nothing big here.

Appearance. Coal black. Full, foamy head that lasted for the duration.

Taste: Full malt flavor, some sweet roastiness. Slightly hard background.

Mouthfeel: Not unlike a pub beer, but sharper than a hand-pulled stout would be.

Overall: Not bad, not stellar. It's a good stout for people who don't like huge, full-bodied stouts. It's definitely designed ot appeal to the mass market.

Serving type: nitro-can

02-24-2013 12:58:01 | More by Beerstorian

GossageBrewery

Missouri

3.78/5  rDev +1.6%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 3.5

Poured this Irish Dry Stout from a 16 oz can into a pint glass. Poured a dark brown color, produced a thick tan head, excellent retention and it left a great amount of lacing on the glass. Aroma consisted of roasted malt, coffee and dark chocolate. Medium bodied, very creamy and smooth mouthfeel. The flavor is a bit watered down, but it does have some base of roasted malt, coffee and dark chocolate. Not a huge fan of Irish Stout's but this is one of my favorites.

Serving type: nitro-can

02-18-2013 19:55:40 | More by GossageBrewery

LuDookie

4.2/5  rDev +12.9%
look: 5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

Poured this from the can into a mug.

It appeared like a Guiness, foam all the way from the bottom of the glass that very slowly dissipates.

Maybe it was the can but when it first cracked it smelled like a Lone Star. I didn't dig that, but once it was in the mug it took on a nice roasted malt smell, just like a Guiness.

The taste is very similar to Guiness, but I always prefer Murphy's over Guiness. It seems to have just a little more substance, and it great on tap.

Mouthfeel smooth and malty, with the flat feel of this type of beer.

Overall, it is what it is. Basically a Guiness Draft in a different suit. I would be hard pressed to tell the difference if I were tested.

Serving type: can

02-15-2013 13:26:06 | More by LuDookie

JamesMN

Minnesota

3.59/5  rDev -3.5%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 3.5

Appearance: Pitch black with a one finger tan creamy head.

Aroma: As with most nitro beers the aroma is a bit diminished and some of the nitro smell is present. Under that there are faint toasted malts and a hint of roasted coffee.

Taste: It always surprises me how Irish Dry Stouts can be so watery yet enjoyable. The only discernible flavors are light roasted dark malts and bits of toffee. Finish is every bit as smooth as the surface of the head and there is a bitter coffee aftertaste. 4% ABV actually seems quite potent for how thin the beer is.

Mouthfeel: Thin in body with just a hint of carbonation. Superbly smooth, drinkable, and sessionable.

Final Thoughts: The use of a nitro-canning definitely improves this beer and makes it one that anyone can enjoy. Would I drink it again? Most likely but I don't often seek it out.

Serving type: nitro-can

02-10-2013 00:12:00 | More by JamesMN

EgadBananas

Louisiana

4.08/5  rDev +9.7%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Felt like some Guinness the other day, but pulled the trigger on this since it was almost $4 cheaper than the Guinness 4 pack.

Poured with the traditional nitro-can cascading...always a nice sight. Finger of creamy khaki colored head, going nowhere fast. Poured a dark brown, with plenty of lighter spots around the edges...the only really unfortunate part of its appearance.

One of the most aromatic Irish dry stouts I've had. Plenty of roasted barley, some chocolate sweetness notes, light roast coffee,

Light sweet milk chocolate notes, roasted notes, slight bittersweet coffee notes and a tinge of rustic noble hops on the finish.

Body was medium and creamy from the nitro. Clean finish, soft and silky.

Quite glad I got this instead of Guinness...it's miles better and for a better price.

Serving type: nitro-can

02-04-2013 20:57:18 | More by EgadBananas

DragonzBreath

Michigan

3.59/5  rDev -3.5%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5

Muphy's Irish Stout, this beer poured black with Tan thick foam..we had the nitro can.
little carbonation, and thin .. crisp and dry
mouthfeel.
The head saves this beer for me.(loved the look)
Roasted coffee and malts.
Guinness 'esk Abv 4.0 Descent beer.

Serving type: nitro-can

02-01-2013 21:14:46 | More by DragonzBreath

WoodBrew

Illinois

3.05/5  rDev -18%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3

Tried Murphys Irish Stout for this first time since I have been a member of BA. The beer looked great, nice and dark with foamy slightly off white head that left spotty lacing. The smell was simple, hints of roast and espresso. Thetaste seemed a bit off to me. The beer started with roast/espresso, then I got a finish that seemed to have bourbon or some type of scotch/whiskey in it. Wasn't very appealing. The mouthfeel was lighter in body for a stout with subtle carbonationl. Overall it was just ok.

Serving type: on-tap

01-31-2013 02:00:00 | More by WoodBrew

AAG

Texas

3.46/5  rDev -7%
look: 3.5 | smell: 2.25 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75

Poured it from a nitro-can directly into a pint glass.

Appearance - Got to love the thick head on a Murphy's stout! The head poured about two fingers and lasted forever. Very pleasing; coats the sides of the glass. Head is tan; beer is dark brown/black. Not as dark as a guinness but still pretty dark.

Smell - Very difficult for me to discern. Maybe oats or grains? Slight coffee-like smell, perhaps. Struggling here...

Taste - Very nice, dry stout. I think I prefer Murphy's over Guinness these days. Very dry...lightly carbonated.

Mouthfeel - Very easy on the palate; carbonation is very limited; thick head improves the mouthfeel.

Overall - I really like Murphy's stout. It's dry, easy to drink, not too heavy for a stout, and very tasty. I will continue to return to this staple in the future...

Serving type: nitro-can

01-27-2013 01:56:00 | More by AAG

divineaudio

Michigan

3.3/5  rDev -11.3%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.25 | taste: 3.25 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5

16oz nitro can into a nonic.

a - pours a translucent dark brown with a pinky of thick, creamy, tan head that lasts forever. head completely coats the inside of the glass.

s - roasted grain (oats?), faint dark cherry, faintly nutty.

t - lightly roasty with strong dark fruity notes, mainly dark cherry and raisin. has almost no hop character, but finishes bittersweet.

m - lighter side of medium with lighter carbonation and a fine (nitrogen) profile. slightly sticky.

o - true to style, this one goes down easy and doesn't suck. could drink a few in a session no problem, 3 of these would be roughly equal to one of the many imperial stouts out there. worthy of an occasional purchase.

Serving type: nitro-can

01-13-2013 23:48:54 | More by divineaudio

Jsteez

New Mexico

4.24/5  rDev +14%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Poured from a nitro-can into a dimpled English beer mug.

A-It looks like chocolate milk when initially poured because of the nitro. When settled, it's pure black with a tan creamy 1 finger head. Left creamy lacing on the glass.

S-Hints of coffee (only slight) with bits of molasses. The smell is quite tame. There were bits of malt in the nose as well.

T-Very smooth, even crisp for this style. Taste of coffee, malt, and some slight bitterness from the hops in the aftertaste. Very balanced in every way. Quite a refreshing stout. It's a little sweet, a little dry, a little bitter..it's perfectly balanced. It was so good, I grabbed another one out of my fridge. I couldn't just stop at one, it's creamy and silky smooth!

M-lighter bodied but satisfyingly sessionable. Crisp and smooth. Light carbonation/moderate carbonation. Quite a creamy mouthfeel.

Overall, buy it! It is underrated(unfortunately) but it's worth every sip. Great for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Serving type: nitro-can

01-13-2013 17:21:24 | More by Jsteez

Winston_Smith

Kentucky

3.53/5  rDev -5.1%
look: 5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5

Appearance: Tasty looking black and tan beer. Looks creamy.

Smell: Malts, vague toffee smell.

Taste: Coffee and other things I can't identify. Tastes like dry Irish stout I guess.

Mouthfeel: Creamy and honestly a little more watery than I'd expected.

Overall: I'm glad I tried it, but doubt I will seek it again. It is about on par with it's obvious competitor, maybe a little better. The appearance is very nice, but I wish it had been a little less watery.

Serving type: nitro-can

12-30-2012 02:58:17 | More by Winston_Smith

doubleheelix

3.33/5  rDev -10.5%
look: 4 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Had this poured into a standard pint glass from a nitro can. Smell has a hint of copper, and I can say the same for the taste initially. About halfway through the beer the taste matured into a creamier, darkest of chocolate with hints of coffee on the back of the taste. Very smooth, among the most dry, and easy drinking. I'm not sure why I tasted the metal initially. This disappeared, but the smell persisted.

By far its best attribute is the head combined with lingering, thick lacing. Among the darkest.

Overall: Excellent sipping beer. Dry and solid. At only 4.0% not too much guilt. Be sure to give the can a good roll before to loosen up the nitrogen. I can imagine that it looses something in the can, though. Would definitely order on a cold night off a tap.

Serving type: nitro-can

12-28-2012 23:35:21 | More by doubleheelix