The Best Beers for Corned Beef: Our Top Picks
Corned beef is salty, fatty and full of flavour, so it wants a dark Irish beer that can stand up to it. Naturally, most of these come from one part of the world. Keep one for the pot and one for the glass.
| Beer | Style | Our rating | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Guinness Extra Stout | Irish Extra Stout | 4.2/5 | The Irish classic |
| Murphy’s Irish Stout | Irish Dry Stout | 4.0/5 | A smoother stout |
| Smithwick’s Irish Red Ale | Irish Red Ale | 4.3/5 | Malty red ale |
| Harp Lager | Irish Lager | 3.8/5 | A crisp, light option |
Corned beef and stout is an Irish institution. The roast in the glass and the salt on the plate were made for each other.
The Best Beers for Corned Beef, Reviewed
Guinness Extra Stout
The obvious and correct answer. Dry roasted barley cuts the salt and fat of the beef and turns a braise into something special. Read the full Guinness Extra Stout review.
- Bold roasted bitterness
- More punch than Draught
- Great with hearty food
- Dry and intense
- Heavier on the palate
Murphy’s Irish Stout
A little smoother and less bitter than Guinness, Murphy’s brings creamy roast notes that suit a gentler corned beef. Read the full Murphy’s Irish Stout review.
- Smoother and less bitter than Guinness
- Creamy body
- An easy-going stout
- Milder finish
- Harder to find
Smithwick’s Irish Red Ale
If a stout feels too heavy, this Irish red ale offers toasty caramel malt that still complements the beef without weighing you down. Read the full Smithwick’s Irish Red Ale review.
- Smooth caramel malt
- Very easy drinking
- Great with pub food
- Low bitterness
- Mild for ale fans
Harp Lager
For anyone who wants something crisp alongside the meal, Harp is a clean lager that refreshes between forkfuls. Read the full Harp Lager review.
- Crisp and clean
- Great in a black and tan
- Easy all-rounder
- Mild
- Unremarkable on its own
The pot for a proper braise
Corned beef wants a long, low, gentle braise. An enameled cast-iron pot holds a steady heat and goes straight from the hob to the oven.
Corned Beef and Beer: FAQs
What beer goes with corned beef?
A stout is the traditional match. Guinness Extra Stout stands up to the salt and spice, while Murphy\’s Irish Stout offers a smoother, less bitter take.
What if I do not like stout with corned beef?
Go for an Irish red ale like Smithwick\’s for malt without the roast, or a crisp lager. The same logic works for a hearty stew.
Related pairings: ale for stew, ale for steak and ale pie, beer with steak.
