ALDI launches new dark beer: why it could be an alternative to Guinness.

According to The Sun: ALDI will launch a new stout brand – and some beer enthusiasts believe it is 'even better' than Guinness.

Cans of the new beer will soon be available in stores at a competitive price.

The Aldi stout – Mulligan’s – will go on sale nationwide on September 8.

This cheap stout will appear on shelves just a few weeks after Guinness maker Diageo announced its cost-cutting plans due to a significant drop in profits.

Aldi's marketing department emphasized that Mulligan’s features a 'deep black color, creamy head, and notes of roasted barley, dark chocolate, and sweet toffee,' making it a delicious choice for stout lovers.

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A company representative added: “Whether it’s ‘sharing with M’ or inviting friends, it looks and tastes the real deal, at a lower price than the well-known alternatives...”

Aldi conducted a survey on the streets of the UK to test Mulligan’s and found that it outperformed the 'famous black drink.'

Beer enthusiasts' feedback confirms its popularity.

One noted: “This is fantastic beer. It’s rich, creamy, with great sensations on the tongue, you can taste the roasted barley.”

“For me, Mulligan’s wins.”

Another tester added: “Aldi’s beer is great.”

There were also other positive reviews about the supermarket's new product.

One expert described it as “much better than Guinness, tasty, thank you.”

Another test participant claimed that “definitely prefers Mulligan’s over canned Guinness”.

Aldi is known for its cheap alternatives to well-known brands.

The supermarket also plans to launch a special Chocolate Stout (£1.79, 500 ml), described as “a luxurious drink with rich cocoa notes, balanced with roasted barley – perfect for cozy autumn evenings.”

This launch comes after the brand's coffee stout was named “Best in the Country” at this year’s World Beer Awards.

Award-Winning Drink

A company representative noted that “the rich, dark, and luxurious stout … has already become a favorite for many.”

Mulligan’s Stout will be sold in packs of four 440 ml cans for £4.99.

This budget stout appears in stores just weeks after Diageo announced its cost-cutting measures.

Diageo, which also owns brands like Gordon’s and Johnnie Walker, stated its operating profits fell by 27.8 percent to £3.3 billion for the year ending June 30, 2025.

Accordingly, the big spirits company plans to reduce costs by £625 million over three years, increasing its initial target to £500 million.

It’s hard work, but ...

Our article writer Teya Yakiv tested several alternatives to Guinness and rated them on a five-point scale. Here’s what she found ....

• BrewDog Black Heart 4.1 percent, Tesco, £5.50 (4 x 440ml cans) – 2/5

It’s not as fizzy as some others and definitely not as good. But even then, I don’t understand what it’s doing.

The head is unconvincing, at best. It’s not as creamy as half-skimmed milk.

BrewDog claims it has the same built-in perfection as Guinness.

• Dark Arts Surreal Stout 6 percent, Waitrose, £3.15 (per 440ml can) – 4/5

I can immediately tell this is lively beer, considering it nearly explodes out of the can when I open it.

It pours well and has a really nice head.

• Hobgoblin Stout 4.1 percent, Morrisons, £2.25 (per 500ml bottle) – 1/5

While this stout looks good after being poured – with decent head – it’s very forgettable.

It’s easy to drink since it has no flavor.

The launch of Mulligan’s stout is part of Aldi’s strategy aimed at attracting shoppers looking for quality yet affordable alternatives. The beer market is becoming increasingly competitive, and this new offering has every chance to carve its place among popular drinks. Especially since Aldi has already proven it can deliver delicious products at attractive prices.

Consumers will soon be able to personally evaluate the new stout and decide if it can really compete with classic options in the market.