The trick is to drink it in large draughts. When you give it a nice, big swig, you taste the initial flavor, and then this rich, creamy center takes over your mouth, and you don't want it to stop. When it does, you find the aforementioned aftertaste is actually a proper finish - like a bow on a present.
The problem is that Guinness screwed up their own beverage. Yes, if you get a properly poured Guinness on tap, you can still get all the gloriousness, but you can't get it at home. They invented the plastic coated bottles with the widget inside - and it was fantastic. I'd had the widget-enabled cans before, but the metallic taste leeches into the beverage. The bottles were incredible. Unfortunately, Guinness "improved" their bottles.
They removed the widget and altered the way that they add nitrogen in the process. I wrote to them to let them know that they screwed up the taste, and they told me I'm drinking it wrong. I politely explained that I enjoyed their beer before they changed it, and I don't anymore. So, it's not a problem with me. They then said that there isn't a difference, thanks for playing.
Here's the thing - it's not cheaper, they don't even claim that it TASTES better, and you don't get more of it (the bottles are still 11.2 ounces - even though the original justification for not being 12 ounces was that the widget took up space). So, it lowers their cost, the quality of their stout, and their standards. I ask anyone who visits St. James' Gate Brewery to please find the person responsible and punch them right in the face.
5.0/5 before
2.0/5 now