Beyond the Black Stuff: Exploring Stout and Porter Alternatives to Guinness in the UK

With Guinness facing supply shortages in the UK, it's the perfect time for stout and porter enthusiasts to broaden their horizons and explore the wealth of alternatives available. The shortage, stemming from a combination of supply chain issues and increased demand, has left many pubs and shelves with a noticeable gap where the iconic Irish stout once stood¹. But don't despair! This presents a unique opportunity to delve into the diverse landscape of dark beers, discover hidden gems, and perhaps even find a new favorite. This article delves into the world of stouts and porters, highlighting some lesser-known options and explaining why UK beer drinkers should give them a try.

A Stout and Porter Primer

Before we dive into specific alternatives, let's clarify the key differences between stouts and porters. Both are dark beers known for their roasted malt flavors, but they have distinct characteristics:

Stouts:

• Generally have a more intense roasted flavor due to the use of unmalted roasted barley.

• Often have a drier finish and a higher bitterness.

• Come in various styles, including:

• Dry stout: The most famous example is Guinness, known for its dry, roasted flavor and creamy texture².

• Oatmeal stout: Oats are added to the mash, giving the beer a smooth, full body and a slightly sweet flavor².

• Milk stout: Lactose (milk sugar) is added, resulting in a sweeter, creamier stout with a smooth finish³.

• Imperial stout: A stronger, more intense stout with a higher alcohol content and complex flavors³.

Porters:

• Typically brewed with roasted malt, giving them a slightly milder roasted flavor.

• Often have a fuller body and a sweeter finish.

• Include styles like:

• Brown porter: The original porter style, with a moderate roasted flavor and notes of chocolate and caramel⁴.

• Robust porter: A stronger porter with a more intense roasted flavor and a fuller body⁴.

• Baltic porter: A strong porter with a smooth, clean finish, often lagered (cold-fermented) and sometimes with a hint of sweetness⁴.

Why Explore Alternatives?

Guinness's popularity is undeniable, but its dominance sometimes overshadows the incredible variety within the stout and porter categories³. Exploring alternatives allows you to:

• Discover new flavors: From chocolate and coffee notes to fruity and smoky undertones, the flavor profiles of stouts and porters are incredibly diverse.

• Support local breweries: Many fantastic craft breweries in the UK produce exceptional stouts and porters. By choosing these alternatives, you're supporting local businesses and the craft beer movement.

• Expand your beer knowledge: Learning about different styles and brewing techniques enhances your appreciation for the art of brewing.

• Find new favorites: You might just stumble upon a new go-to beer that surpasses even your love for Guinness!

Top Guinness Alternatives

While the usual suspects like Murphy's and Beamish are readily available, let's venture into some lesser-known territory:

O'Hara's Irish Stout: This award-winning stout from Carlow Brewing Company offers a full-bodied flavor with a smooth finish. It boasts a rich coffee aroma with subtle liquorice notes and a tart bitterness from Fuggles hops¹. O'Hara's has firmly established itself as a true contender in the Irish stout category, having won numerous awards since its first brew in 1999.

Porterhouse Brewing Co. Oyster Stout: This unique stout incorporates oysters into the brewing process, adding a subtle salty and savory complexity to the beer¹. This unusual ingredient adds a unique dimension to the stout, making it a truly distinctive choice.

Left Hand Milk Stout Nitro: This American stout offers a creamy, smooth texture with a hint of sweetness from lactose. The nitro adds a velvety mouthfeel, making it a decadent alternative to Guinness⁵. Left Hand Brewing Company is known for its innovative stouts, and this one is no exception.

Modern Times Black House Coffee Stout: This oatmeal coffee stout combines the rich flavors of coffee and roasted malt with a smooth, full body. It's brewed with a blend of Ethiopian and Sumatran coffee varieties, roasted on-site⁶. The use of freshly roasted coffee beans gives this stout an intense coffee aroma and flavor.

Young's Double Chocolate Stout: For those with a sweet tooth, this milk stout delivers a rich dark chocolate flavor alongside the signature bitterness of stout. It has a creamy texture and a thick, pillowy foam⁶. This stout is brewed under license by Wells & Co. in Bedford and is a popular choice for those who enjoy a touch of sweetness in their dark beers.

Of course, we can't forget about the more readily available alternatives like Murphy's and Beamish¹. These Irish stouts offer their own unique take on the style and are definitely worth exploring if you haven't already.

Local Craft Brewery Gems

But the exploration doesn't stop there. The UK is home to a wealth of talented craft breweries pushing the boundaries of stout and porter brewing. Here are a few to look out for:

• Siren Craft Brew: Known for their innovative and experimental beers, Siren offers a range of stouts, including their popular Broken Dream Breakfast Stout, a rich and decadent stout with coffee and chocolate notes, and Lumina Session IPA⁸.

• Northern Monk: This Leeds-based brewery produces a variety of stouts and porters, including their Northern Star Mocha Porter, a coffee-infused porter with a smooth, chocolatey finish⁴.

• Tiny Rebel: This Welsh brewery is known for their Stay Puft Marshmallow Porter, a unique and decadent take on the style that incorporates the flavors of toasted marshmallows⁴.

• Vault City Brewing: This sour beer specialist also produces excellent stouts, including their Double Pump series with various dessert-inspired flavors, such as Caramel Biscuit Cheesecake and Raspberry & White Chocolate¹⁰.

• Verdant Brewing Co: This Cornish brewery is known for their hazy IPAs, but they also produce a fantastic stout called Even Sharks Need Water, a rich and complex imperial stout with notes of chocolate and dark fruit¹¹.

Why UK Drinkers Should Embrace These Alternatives

UK beer drinkers have a long-standing love affair with dark beers, with styles like porter and stout playing a significant role in the country's brewing history¹². These alternatives offer a chance to deepen that connection. By exploring these options, you'll not only discover new flavors and support local breweries but also gain a greater appreciation for the diversity and craftsmanship within the stout and porter categories. So, next time you're craving a dark beer, step beyond the familiar and embark on a flavorful journey through the world of stout and porter alternatives.

A Deeper Dive into History and Brewing

To truly appreciate these alternatives, it's worth understanding the history and brewing process behind them. Guinness, for example, has a rich history dating back to 1759 when Arthur Guinness signed a 9,000-year lease on the St. James's Gate Brewery in Dublin⁶. The iconic stout is brewed using roasted barley, hops, water, and yeast, with a unique process that involves a double nitrogenation technique to create its signature creamy head.

Similarly, Beamish, another Irish stout, has a long history dating back to 1792⁶. It was originally brewed in Cork and is known for its smooth, creamy texture and slightly less bitter flavor compared to Guinness. The brewing process involves a combination of roasted and unroasted barley, along with hops and yeast.

Many of the craft breweries mentioned also have fascinating stories and unique brewing techniques. For example, Siren Craft Brew is known for its experimental approach to brewing, often using unusual ingredients and techniques to create unique and innovative beers⁹.

Availability and Price

The availability of these alternatives varies, but many can be found in supermarkets, specialty beer shops, and online retailers. Some are also available on tap in pubs and bars. The price range is generally comparable to Guinness, with some craft brews potentially being slightly more expensive.

Conclusion

So, don't let the Guinness shortage dampen your spirits. Embrace this opportunity to discover new flavors, support local businesses, and become a more informed and adventurous beer drinker. Cheers to the exciting world of stouts and porters!

Works cited

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