Guinness Dublin Porter

Guinness Dublin Porter is one of the more interesting things to come out of St James’s Gate in recent years — an attempt by the world’s most famous stout brewery to revisit the historical porter style that predates their famous dry stout. Porter was the dominant dark beer style in Britain and Ireland in the 18th and 19th centuries, and it was effectively what Arthur Guinness was brewing when he started. The Dublin Porter is Guinness reconnecting with their origins.

Tasting Notes

Dublin Porter pours a deep ruby-brown — noticeably lighter than Guinness Draught — with a tan head and a nose of roasted malt, dark chocolate, coffee, and a hint of dried fruit. On the palate it’s smoother and sweeter than the dry stout: less aggressive roast, more milk chocolate and toffee character, with a gentler bitterness. The finish retains the roast character but is longer and softer than you might expect from a Guinness product.

Verdict

Serve at just below room temperature — this is a beer that benefits from not being too cold. Dublin Porter is a more approachable dark beer than the standard Guinness Draught, and a good choice for anyone who finds the dry stout too harsh. It’s a well-made, historically interesting beer that tastes great alongside beef stew, strong cheese, or just on its own. Recommended.