Guinness 250 Anniversary Stout

Beer: Guinness 250 Anniversary Stout
Brewery: St. James's Gate Brewery
ABV: 5%
Style: Irish Dry Stout
Sample Medium: Bottle
Size: 12 oz

Impression:I went into Guinness’s 250 Anniversary Stout without expectations. OK well perhaps that is a bit of an untruth, I expected this beer to be bigger and better than Guinness Stout in every way. I mean you have had eons to perfect this follow up recipe. So given this expectation I was obviously biased going into the tasting. All that aside, I still think it is safe to say that Guinness 250 Anniversary was somewhat underwhelming. It certainly lacks the distinct creamy silkiness of the original. It is also notably more carbonated and the head bubbles up in a much looser weave, which doesn’t provide that enjoyable frothy Guinness mustache. Overall this beer has a much lighter body and mouth feel as well. But, enough comparison as I think it is prudent to evaluate this beer on its own merit. The aroma entices the senses with mild roasted caramel and a hint of malt. While breaking across the palate I experienced a supple toastiness, but the finish yields a sustained metallic dullness. The off finish doesn’t make for a deal breaker, but being honest Guinness 250 Anniversary Stout won’t make it into my top 10 list. On balance a grade of ‘B’ seems reasonably appropriate. I will sum it up this way: I am glad I tried it, but I won’t buy it again.