Welcome back to The People’s Republic of Porter, where we’re always on the lookout for the next stout worth sipping. Today, we’re diving into something a bit different—Guinness Cold Brew Coffee Beer. That’s right, Guinness has combined their classic stout with a cold brew twist. Now, I love coffee, and I love a good pint, so this could be a match made in heaven. Or… well, we’ll see. Let’s crack it open and find out.
The Pour: Classic Guinness with a Twist
First things first—when you crack open this can, you get that familiar Guinness gargle. It’s like a comforting roar, the kind that tells you you’re about to pour a proper pint. As it settles, you see that classic Guinness surge—the bubbles cascading, the head forming thick and creamy. And, just like its traditional counterpart, this beer has that ruby red hue when held up to the light. It’s a sight that any Guinness lover will recognise.
This one comes in at 4% ABV, which is just a smidge lower than your classic Guinness Draught (4.1%). It’s a lighter option, but the can promises “flavourful notes of coffee, chocolate, and caramel.” That’s a big claim for a pint—let’s see if it holds up.
The Aroma: Quality Street Vibes
Now, here’s where things get interesting. The aroma coming off this pint is pure nostalgia—think back to those hazelnut Quality Street chocolates you get at Christmas (you know, the ones no one really fights over). There’s a definite sweet, nutty scent, mixed with hints of caramel and coffee. It’s familiar and comforting, and, if I’m honest, it’s pretty inviting.
The Taste: A Coffee and Beer Mash-Up
So, how does it taste? The first sip reveals a lot. You definitely get those caramel and toffee flavours that the can boasts about, followed by a coffee note that’s more subtle than you might expect. It’s not overpowering, which is a nice surprise. There’s also that classic dry finish you’d expect from Guinness, keeping it from feeling overly sweet or cloying.
The overall vibe is decadent and smooth, but not overly heavy. It’s got that light, creamy mouthfeel Guinness is known for, but with a bit of extra sweetness from the coffee and caramel elements. It’s refreshing enough that you could enjoy it as a standalone drink, but the flavor profile might make it an interesting pair with desserts too.
Is It a Win? Or a Pass?
Here’s the thing—if you’re a die-hard Guinness fan, you might miss that traditional stout bitterness. And if you’re a hardcore coffee lover, the coffee flavour might not be bold enough for you. It’s a middle ground, offering something new without going too far in either direction. Personally, I’m not sure it’s my cup of tea (or should I say cup of coffee?), but it’s a solid effort for something different.
If you’re looking to switch up your usual stout routine or want a lighter option with a sweet twist, Guinness Cold Brew Coffee Beer is worth a try. It’s got enough of the familiar Guinness DNA to satisfy, with just enough of a twist to make it interesting. At the very least, it’s a talking point—and when it comes to Guinness, isn’t that half the fun?
Sláinte to trying something new!