Everyone knows Guinness Draught, the smooth nitro pint. Extra Stout is its older, bolder sibling. It is bottled with normal carbonation rather than nitrogen, which makes it sharper, hoppier and more bitter than the creamy Draught. It is actually closer to the original Guinness recipe, and plenty of drinkers prefer it. I picked up a few for this guide to compare against the Draught.
Guinness Extra Stout at a glance
| Style | Extra stout |
| ABV | 5.6% |
| Calories | Around 175 per 12 fl oz |
| Brewery | St. James’s Gate, Dublin, Ireland |
| Character | Roasted barley, coffee, hop bitterness, dry |
| Best served | Lightly chilled, in a pint glass |
How it tastes, by the numbers
This is a sharper, more bitter and more carbonated take on Guinness than the smooth nitro Draught.
The full review
It pours a deep dark ruby-black with a normal, lively tan head rather than the tight nitro one. The aroma is sharper than Draught, roasted barley and coffee with a clear hop presence.
The flavour is bolder and drier. The roasted barley gives it that classic Guinness coffee character, but there is more hop bitterness and a sharper, more carbonated bite than the smooth Draught. It finishes dry and clean.
This is the key difference. Draught is all about creamy smoothness, Extra Stout is about a firmer, more bitter, more traditional stout character. If you find Draught a little thin or too smooth, Extra Stout is the one for you.
It is also stronger, at 5.6%, and it holds its flavour better with food. It is closer to the original Guinness recipe from the 1800s, and it is a genuinely different and rewarding experience from the famous pint.
If you find the famous Draught pint a little thin or too smooth, Extra Stout is the bolder Guinness you have been looking for.
- Bolder and more bitter than Draught
- Closer to the original recipe
- Sharper, drier and more characterful
- Great with food
- Lacks Draught’s creamy smoothness
- Bitterness not for everyone
Who it is for
If you like Guinness but wish it had more bite and bitterness, or you find the Draught too smooth, Extra Stout is the version to reach for.
Guinness Extra Stout FAQs
What is the difference between Guinness Draught and Extra Stout?
Draught is packaged with nitrogen for a smooth, creamy pint at 4.2%. Extra Stout is bottled with normal carbonation at 5.6%, making it sharper, hoppier, more bitter and closer to the original Guinness recipe.
How strong is Guinness Extra Stout?
It is 5.6% ABV, stronger than the 4.2% Draught.
What does Guinness Extra Stout taste like?
Roasted barley and coffee with a firm hop bitterness, a sharper carbonation and a dry, clean finish. Bolder and drier than the smooth Draught.
Where to buy Guinness Extra Stout
Guinness Extra Stout is widely available across the US in bottles and cans. Buy it using the button above.
The verdict
Guinness Extra Stout is the bolder, drier, more traditional Guinness. If the famous Draught pint is a little too smooth for you, this is the one to try.
FAQs
Who makes Guinness Extra Stout?
Guinness Extra Stout is brewed by St. James’s Gate (owned by Diageo).
What kind of beer is Guinness Extra Stout?
Guinness Extra Stout is an Extra stout, at 5.6% ABV.
How much alcohol is in Guinness Extra Stout?
Guinness Extra Stout has an ABV of 5.6%.
How many calories are in Guinness Extra Stout?
Guinness Extra Stout has Around 175 per 12 fl oz, based on the brewery’s published nutrition information.
Is Guinness Extra Stout gluten free?
No. Like most traditional beers, Guinness Extra Stout is brewed from barley and/or wheat, both of which contain gluten.
How can I make Guinness Extra Stout taste better?
Serve it at the right temperature and in the right glass (see below), or use it as the base for a beer cocktail. Our beer cocktails guide has recipes worth trying.
Where is Guinness Extra Stout made?
Guinness Extra Stout is brewed by St. James’s Gate in Dublin, Ireland. For more from that country, see our best Ireland beers guide.
How do I open Guinness Extra Stout without a bottle opener?
A lighter, a sturdy key, a spoon, or the edge of a table all work in a pinch. See our full guide on opening a beer without a bottle opener for 8 methods that actually work.
What glass should I use for Guinness Extra Stout?
Lightly chilled, in a pint glass. See our beer glassware guide if you want to match the glass to the style exactly.
