Experts compared Guinness with competitors: which stout won in taste.

According to The Sun: The GUINNESS brand is experiencing a true boom in popularity, and this is not only true in Dublin, where it all started.

A new entertainment trend among young people is the game 'Split the G', where participants try to align the letter 'G' on their glass with foam. This game is actively spreading on TikTok, and among those who joined the craze are stars like Dua Lipa, Ed Sheeran, and Niall Horan.

Dua Lipa drinks a pint of Guinness - and she is just one of many stars turning to the dark sideDUALIPA / XOliver Dixon

Beverage expert Helena Nicoll tasted several options and shared her insights.

However, Guinness already has plenty of competitors on supermarket shelves for those who want to try something different. For example, last week a new stout 'Mulligan’s Stout' appeared at Aldi, offering Guinness fans a premium alternative at a lower price.

So, with the release of the new Netflix show 'House Of Guinness', can competitors compete?

Guinness Draught

4.2%, £5.75 (4 x 440ml) or £3.27 per liter, Tesco & Sainsbury’s

Customers pay a little extra for the name Guinness, but it always delivers satisfaction

This drink sets the gold standard for stouts. The traditional Irish drink is known worldwide. It tastes incredibly good, and a pint of Guinness always brings more pleasure than one might expect, as there are many components in the glass.

For any competitors of this classic drink, it is important to convey all the elements – it is not just a matter. A perfect, very satiny top is needed, as well as the right balance of flavors: sweetness, caramel, and roasted nuts, nothing extra.

Customers pay a little more for the name Guinness, but it always pleases.

5/5

Mulligan’s Stout

£4.99 (4 x 440ml) or £2.84 per liter, Aldi in-store

It is lighter and less intense compared to the original from Dublin, but there is much else to like – with subtle malty and chocolate notes

Aldi pleasantly surprised again with a new award-winning duplicate with a very Irish name. It resembles the market leader in appearance, featuring an elegant dark can. In traditional Aldi style, you might need to double-check which brand you have purchased – but it is significantly easier on the budget.

When poured into a glass, it fulfills its role with a nice creamy head. It is lighter and diluted compared to the original from Dublin, but the result is still impressive – with subtle malty and chocolate notes.

A pleasant refreshing sip – simple in flavor and wallet-friendly.

3/5

Fuller’s Black Cab Stout

4.5% ABV, £2.50 (500ml) or £5 per liter, Morrisons

Morrisons

This option has a slightly different style. It resembles a small porter more than the stout you would get on tap or in a can. The taste of this beer is lighter, more lively, and refreshing, though the aromas are deep and rich.

It can be described as very malty with notes of coffee and chocolate, as well as a light hint of whiskey barrel. I actually find its taste better than the Irish classic, although its price is slightly higher.

Excellent stuff, I recommend trying a bottle and enjoying it.

4/5

Mackeson Stout

2.8% ABV, £4.75 (4 x 330ml) or £3.60 per liter, Sainsbury’s/ Morrisons

Worth trying for a change, and the can has character – but I would prefer Guinness, please

Mackeson beer, brewed in southern England, is a creamy stout that debuted in 1907. The small cans are evidently appealing and clearly indicate what is inside.

While it does not attempt to be an exact replica of Guinness, the beer has such a structure and taste that will intrigue fans of the black drink. It possesses some extra sweetness and a pinch of spices, but unfortunately, the foam is lacking.

This turns out to be more expensive than Guinness by volume, and it has a lower ABV as well.

Worth trying for variety, and the can has character – but I would prefer Guinness.

3/5

Brewdog Black Heart

4.1% ABV, £5.50 (4 x 440ml) or £3.13 per liter, Sainsbury’s

For me, this is the best alternative to Guinness – and it is also somewhat cheaper

This drink in a black can appears very stylish, and when opened, a pleasant 'pssh' sound is heard. When poured, it has a super-satin texture, and after settling, the foam presents itself nicely and creamy.

In terms of taste, it is a little lighter than the pint poured from a tap. It has a pleasant, mild aroma of cocoa beans with quite a bitter taste. Smooth and delicious, you can enjoy it chilled or at room temperature – whichever you prefer.

For me, this is the best alternative to Guinness – and it is also somewhat cheaper.

Wonderful!

5/5

London Porter Dark Beer

5% ABV, £2.10 (500ml) or £4.20 per liter, Sainsbury’s

Sainsburys

Porters are usually lighter in volume and have more roasted character than stouts, which are often fuller and darker. But the boundaries between the two types of beer have blurred these days.

This dark drink from Sainsbury’s own 'Taste The Difference' line offers excellent value, its taste sweet with a smoky hint. This is a drink not to be rushed, but rather enjoyed slowly as it reveals its aromas over time.

An excellent addition that will be delicious paired with a meat pie or hearty stew.

Delicious!

4/5

Supermalt Stout

7.7% ABV, £7.50 (4 x 330ml) or £5.68 per liter, Morrisons

Morrisons

Straying a bit from the classic, this robust beer packs a real punch with its flavor and 7.7% ABV), although it manages this quite well.

Visually, it appears as a fresh bottle with a light retro look, and the stout is overly sweet, as intended. A distinctly noticeable aroma of roasted beans, this beer is a bit sweeter than others I have tried – akin to an 'adult' version with alcohol for Tomani.

There are significantly larger bubbles than in Guinness, but this stout has its own special feel. It pairs beautifully with chocolate cake.

3/5

Camden Stout

4% ABV, £6.50 (4 x 440ml) or £3.84 per liter, Sainsbury’s

Camden Brewery

This contender for the throne of Guinness, despite having bold North London vibes with a beautiful can, unfortunately fails to live up to expectations in terms of taste. Its ABV is only two percent lower than the major brands, but it truly differs due to a lack of body.

The flavor is quite lackluster, with light malty barley and trivial hints of smoky coffee. The weak head actually looks ridiculous – and it's more expensive than big 'G'.

All luxury without substance. In my opinion, this beer is one to avoid.

1/5

The rise in popularity of GUINNESS alongside new trends and competitors showcases a shift in consumer taste preferences. The game 'Split the G', which has won the hearts of the youth, could become a new symbol of beer consumption culture. Meanwhile, new stouts like Mulligan's are characterized by innovations and accessibility, forcing classic brands to seek new ways to stay in the game.