It seems unlikely that I have not made every comment necessary about Guinness. Yet, here I am looking at a bottle that I've had many times before, but I didn't realize that I never reviewed. When it comes right down to it, how much different is extra stout from regular stout? I was once told that Guinness Extra Stout here in the US was being brewed under license by a Canadian company, but I've not seen evidence proving this. The bottle in front of me says that it's a product of Ireland.
First sip is a reminder of why I have a process that teases these things out. The sharp bite and lingering bitterness have been enhanced somehow in the "extra" part of the Guinness, and sipping this would put many people off. For those of us who have learned of this delightful beverage, this is just a tiny little window into deliciousness that exist to guard the gate from the unwary drinker.
Tip-in is gentle carbonation buzz with sweet figs and plums mixing with smoked earth. The middle is supposed to be smooth and creamy, and it is, but there is a bit more of a harsh buzz coming from somewhere that gives the smoothness a bit too much bite. The finish brings bitterness to the forefront while dark wood and fruits huddle in the background.
Bottom Line: A different Guinness is still a Guinness, but with a tad less charm.
3.0/5
