I don't know why I don't buy it more often. I bought a 12 pack Friday and I forgot how good it was, the magnificent lacing, the soft but solid mouthfeel and the dry bitter taste which packs old coffee and black licorice into a no-nonsense, no chocolate flavor which says; 'I am a man's beer', no gimmicks, no fancy flavors, no sweetness, just a faintly smoky, dry, bitter Stout that gives nourishment to the soul. what do you have to say about it?
I am not a fan. I have never been a fan of Guinness, I have never been a fan of Dry Irish Stouts. The style itself is a bit unappealing and not all that interesting to me. I am not going to knock the beer but I personally would not refer to it as a damn fine beer.
I liked it more when it was an import vs a contract brew from Canada. Sorry aboot that. Higher in alcohol but even more taste, try the Foreign Export Stout. It only comes in 4 packs...
Funny I just had the opposite experience. I found myself in an Irish pub without anything good on tap. I fondly remembered my pre-craft days when Guinness was everything you listed above. So I ordered one. Looks awesome. Smell, taste, feel, not what I remember. I think bigger and more complex craft beers have ruined Guinness for me forever. Too bad.
Had a Foreign Extra Stout recently, not the best thing I've ever had, but it did have some endearing qualities to it. I'd drink it again.
I think it's a tasty brew, although the version they sell here is 5% whilst it appears to be 6% elsewhere, except for Canada for some reason where it's also 5%. It has a good roasted character combined with a nice bitterness and overall dry taste, what's not to like I say. Guinness draught has always been a let down for me but the extra stout is a fine beer in my book.
The OP is referring to the foreigh/Extra Stout, which is not a dry Irish stout and quite flavor intense. I also rarely buy but I do enjoy very much when I do. If you haven't tried one you should for curiosities sake.
Personally I thought it was just oaky. I would honestly enjoy the draught over it. I love that creamy mouth feel that I've always associated with Guinness. That being said I'd rather drink something else over both of them. While were on the topic of Guinness anyone tried the black lager offering they have yet? I'm not expecting anything amazing but it seems intriguing. I'd give it a shot.
The OP mentioned Guinness Extra Stout, listed as a Dry Irish Stout, he did not mention the Foreign Extra Stout which is the Foreign/Export Stout style. It really does not matter because my opinion does not change. I am not really interested in either, they have never impressed me or been to my liking.
I always enjoy an extra stout; the draught doesn't do anything for me anymore, but the extra stout is tasty.
I'd rather Foreign Extra Stout, but in general, Guinness takes an undeserved pounding from many BAs. I get it -- KBS it's not. But it is certainly a damn site better than most beers on tap at most bars.
went to Swedish House Mafia show at Barclays on Sunday. by the time everyone was ready to go all the beer stores were closed and my buddy had a sixer of extra stout in the fridge. I was a little reluctant taking the sixer with us but it works in a pinch
That Czech pilsner thread could be cloned and copy/pasted into an Irish stout thread. Both are great underrated styles. Irish stouts never did much for me, but I love good Czech pilsner. To pick up on my imagined cloned thread, I have heard that Guiness in Ireland is better than anywhere else. And if I ever get to Ireland, I'll be sure to drink several!
The extra stout is good. A pork chop in a bottle with it's heavy taste. There are better but in a pinch this is a good one. I will drink it and offer a toast to all that will listen.
Havent had the Extra, but enjoy Guiness on tap if I find myself at a 6 tap BMC bar with family or whatever.
I would also agree that Guinness extra is great for what it is. Lots of ash and char flavors which I found quite tasty the last time I had it. Who cares if it's not from Ireland anymore? You get .8 more ounces per bottle coming from Canada!
I think Guiness is prob. my first stout I ever had.....my thought is Guiness is for those who's taste for stouts hasn't matured yet haha
Extra Stout is a good beer, but there are usually too many other good options for me to buy it. I had the Foreign Extra Stout in Grand Cayman. With the view, it was one of the best beers I've ever had.
The title of the thread spells it out, Guinness Extra Stout -- not the Foreign Stout -- though the OP may also be confused, it seems to be difficult to keep the Guinness straight around here. Nevertheless, I like the Extra Stout, it's an old favorite that I revisit often -- especially this time of year.
I'll have a guinness if thats all that's on tap. Extra stout is alright. But Foreign Extra is really where it's at! Love that stuff
That's when I was first introduced to the Extra Stout, too. I'm sure it has lost a bit of zip off it's fastball over the years, but I'll admit my palate has changed as well. Heck- in the beginning, I didn't even drink it straight. I'd love to go back in time just to see how it really tasted back then. These days, though, I'd definitely take another Irish Dry Stout, like O Hara's, over it. The Foreign Extra is still mighty fine stuff, and I'll search that one out.
I've really come around on Guinness; a while back I really didn't like it. It's funny that this topic should come up now. I've recently been wondering if Irish dry stouts are kind of damned for just having the word "stout" in the name given the presence of so many bigger stouts out there.
I dig the Extra Stout – even more than the more acclaimed FES. As I try more and more American stouts, the stouts from the UK and Ireland taste more and more vinous to me, and I’m not sure I like that flavor as much anymore. However, the Extra seems to have less of that fruity character than the others. I had one with some Indian food a few weeks ago and it was pretty stellar.
Instead of starting a new thread about guinness, I figured I'd just post in here. Quick Question: Anyone know of a bottle dating error with Guinness FES? I have a bottle that I picked up from the store I work at for my mother for St. Patty's Day. The date says "Best by April of 2012". Now this is odd b/c I know these bottles turn over very well at my store, and we get fresh cases in often. Maybe a distributor error as well? I doubt a case would be almost 2 years old... Also, does anyone think it would improve with age? I mean, I'll find out soon enough, but just wondering, since I've never looked at the bottle date on this beer before.
I have to agree, I tried the Foreign Extra when it was first introduced and found it to be pretty close in character to the Extra. I sort of wondered if both could survive on the shelves together.
