Murphy’s, brewed in Cork, is the best-known Irish dry stout after Guinness, and it takes a softer approach. Where Guinness has a firm roasted-barley bite, Murphy’s is smoother, milder and less bitter, with a gentle malty sweetness. It is a nitro stout like Guinness, so it pours creamy and smooth. I poured a few for this guide to see how it stacks up against the big name.
Murphy’s Irish Stout at a glance
| Style | Irish dry stout, nitro |
| ABV | 4.0% |
| Calories | Around 120 per 12 fl oz |
| Brewery | Murphy’s Brewery, Cork, Ireland |
| Character | Soft roast, malt, coffee, gentle and creamy |
| Best served | Cold, poured to build a creamy head |
How it tastes, by the numbers
This is the soft, mild, creamy end of the Irish dry stout world, less bitter than Guinness.
The full review
It pours the classic Irish nitro way, dark ruby-black with a tight, creamy head that settles slowly. Visually it is very close to a Guinness.
The flavour is where it differs. It is noticeably smoother and milder than Guinness, with a softer roast, a gentle malty sweetness and much less of that firm bitter bite. There is still coffee and roast character, but it is rounded off and easy.
That softness makes it extremely easy to drink. At just 4% and with low bitterness it is about as gentle as a stout gets, which is exactly the appeal. It is the stout for people who find Guinness a touch too bitter or dry.
It is not as characterful or iconic as Guinness, and it never will be, but as a smooth, mild, easy-drinking Irish stout it does its job very well. A friendly, approachable pint.
Murphy’s is the stout for people who find Guinness a touch too bitter, smoother and softer with the bite rounded off.
- Smooth, mild and very easy to drink
- Creamy nitro pour
- Gentle, low bitterness
- Light at just 4%
- Less characterful than Guinness
- Can taste a little thin
Who it is for
If you like the idea of a creamy Irish stout but find Guinness too bitter or dry, Murphy’s is the softer, friendlier alternative to reach for.
Murphy’s Irish Stout FAQs
What is the difference between Murphy’s and Guinness?
Both are Irish nitro dry stouts, but Murphy’s is smoother, milder and less bitter, with a gentle malty sweetness. Guinness has a firmer, drier, more bitter roasted-barley bite. Murphy’s is 4% to Guinness Draught’s 4.2%.
What does Murphy’s Irish Stout taste like?
Soft roasted malt, light coffee and a gentle malty sweetness with low bitterness and a smooth, creamy nitro texture.
How strong is Murphy’s Irish Stout?
It is 4.0% ABV and around 120 calories, one of the lighter, easier-drinking stouts.
Where to buy Murphy’s Irish Stout
Murphy’s Irish Stout is available across much of the US in nitro cans. Buy it using the button above and pour it cold to build the creamy head.
The verdict
Murphy’s is a smooth, mild, easy-drinking Irish stout and a genuine alternative to Guinness for anyone who finds the big name too bitter. A friendly, approachable pint.
FAQs
Who makes Murphy’s Irish Stout?
Murphy’s Irish Stout is brewed by Murphy’s Brewery (owned by Heineken).
What kind of beer is Murphy’s Irish Stout?
Murphy’s Irish Stout is an Irish dry stout, nitro, at 4.0% ABV.
How much alcohol is in Murphy’s Irish Stout?
Murphy’s Irish Stout has an ABV of 4.0%.
How many calories are in Murphy’s Irish Stout?
Murphy’s Irish Stout has Around 120 per 12 fl oz, based on the brewery’s published nutrition information.
Is Murphy’s Irish Stout gluten free?
No. Like most traditional beers, Murphy’s Irish Stout is brewed from barley and/or wheat, both of which contain gluten.
How can I make Murphy’s Irish 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 Murphy’s Irish Stout made?
Murphy’s Irish Stout is brewed by Murphy’s Brewery in Cork, Ireland. For more from that country, see our best Ireland beers guide.
How do I open Murphy’s Irish 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 Murphy’s Irish Stout?
Cold, poured to build a creamy head. See our beer glassware guide if you want to match the glass to the style exactly.
