Guinness Mid-Strength

Guinness have captured the essence of Ireland’s most famous export in this 2.8% mid-strength stout – that’s 33% less alcohol than the standard 4.2% ABV draught in a can – sacrificing little in the way of the famously creamy head and texture and only a marginal loss of depth in the full earthy flavour. There’s the same rattle in the can of the draught-inducing widget and the same creamy pour giving way to that iconic clouds-through-chocolate settling effect to produce a head that’s only marginally, if at all, less firm than the standard draught. In the mouth there’s that unmistakable malty creaminess of dark roasted barley, followed by a deep hit of chocolaty caramel with a side order of bitter hop that lasts all the way into the throat. Admittedly, the flavour is noticeably less rounded and beery than the original, but all the constituent elements are there and it is a perfectly satisfying drink in its own right – with the upside of fewer calories, too. Overall, then, if you’re looking to cut down, go easy or just not have too heavy a session, this could well be the perfect compromise.