Did you know that Texas ranks 10th among all states regarding beer consumption? This isn’t surprising, given how long beer has been a part of the state’s culture. Nothing is more relaxing than ending a tiring day with a cold glass of beer.
When it comes to this beverage, there’s no better choice than Guinness. Two popular selections of this stout are the draught and extra stout variants. Which of these two beers is superior? Read on to witness the Guinness Draught vs Extra Stout Guinness match-up.
Flavor
Nobody likes a bland beer. Fortunately, both beers have great flavors. Guinness Draught has a rich and creamy taste. It has a great balance of sweetness and bitterness, giving it a coffee-like flavor. Moreover, this beer has a smooth texture with no frothy feeling. In terms of aroma, it produces a malty scent that isn’t overpowering.
Guinness Extra Stout has a stronger and crisper flavor than your typical beer. Similar to Guinness Draught, this stout has a perfect sweet and bitter blend. You could even taste a bit of caramel too. It has a relatively sharp texture but is still easy to enjoy. It gives off a pleasant roasted scent, with some hints of fruitiness.
Ingredients
These two beers have some similar ingredients but differ in how they’re pressurized.
Guinness Draught is primarily made from malted and unmalted barley. This gives the beer its dark hue and coffee-like taste. The barley is then blended and fermented with supplemental ingredients consisting of hops, yeast, roast malt, and water. The mixture is pressurized with nitrogen and carbon dioxide to create the beer’s signature creaminess.
Guinness Extra Stout is likewise made from ingredients like barley, hops, malt yeast, and water. It also contains cereal. After these components are blended, roasted, and fermented, they are pressurized only with carbon dioxide. No nitrogen is added. This gives the beer a crisper taste.
Alcohol Content
The alcohol content is a key factor in the Guinness Extra Stout vs Draught Guinness face-off. Guinness Draught has an alcohol by volume (ABV) of 4.2% for every 12-ounce bottle. This is lower than the average beer ABV which is 5%. This makes Guinness Draught a light beer. This drink is for you if you’re looking for a delicious beverage that only has a mild kick.
Unlike Guinness Draught, which has a standard alcohol content, the ABV of Guinness Extra Stout may vary depending on the region. In North America, most bottles have an ABV of 5.6%. This makes Guinness Extra Stout notably stronger. This beer is perfect if you want something more powerful to quench your thirst.
Calories
Guinness Extra Stout is the winner in terms of ABV, but can Draught Guinness bounce back with its low-calorie content?
To give context, some beers have close to 200 calories. In contrast, a standard bottle of Draught Guinness only contains 125 calories. The primary source of calories in beer is its alcohol content, so Draught Guinness’s calorie level makes sense considering it has a low ABV.
Meanwhile, the North American variant of Guinness Extra Stout has 149 calories. This is expected since it has a higher ABV. Thus, the winner of the Draught vs Extra Stout calories battle is Draught Guinness.
Food Pairings
Both Guinness Draught and Extra Stout go well with a wide assortment of meals. It’s mostly a matter of preference which drink you should pair with what food.
However, Guinness Draught’s rich and creamy taste pairs well with roasted meat or game. Its balanced sweetness also complements meat and vegan burgers. It even contrasts dishes with spinach, olives, chicory, and sprouts.
Guinness Extra Stout has a flavor similar to standard beer. Its crisp and sharp flavor means you can pair it with dishes containing seafood like shellfish, oysters, or even seaweed. It likewise provides needed contrast to sweet foods like ice cream and chocolate.
Guinness Draught vs. Extra Stout: What’s The Verdict?
From flavor and texture to the amount of alcohol and calories, there are several areas where Guinness Draught and Extra Stout contrast. However, they both remain the favorites of many Texan beer lovers.
The Draught vs Stout Guinness battle is not meant to make you choose one over the other. It’s meant to make you appreciate both beverages more.
Zipps Liquor has a wide selection of beers you can choose from, including the Guinness beer. Visit your nearest liquor store in Texas or shop online! We offer pickup and delivery in Texas.
