Guinness Extra Stout 22OZ

Guinness Extra Stout 22OZ is a dry Irish stout brewed with roasted barley at 5.6% ABV, sold in a 22-ounce bottle. Based on a recipe first set down in 1821 by Arthur Guinness II, this is the original expression from which all other Guinness beers descend — a genuine piece of brewing history in every pour.

Quick Facts: ABV: 5.6%  |  Origin: Dublin, Ireland (US bottles brewed in Latrobe, PA)  |  Style: Dry Irish Stout  |  Brewery: St. James's Gate / Guinness & Co.

Production & Heritage

Guinness traces its origins to St. James's Gate Brewery in Dublin, where Arthur Guinness signed a now-famous 9,000-year lease in 1759. Extra Stout is a direct descendant of the Superior Porter recipe Arthur Guinness II documented in 1821, making it the oldest continuous expression in the Guinness portfolio. The grist is straightforward — malted barley and a portion of unmalted roasted barley, combined with hops, water, and the house brewer's yeast. That roasted barley, rather than roasted malt, is the signature move in dry Irish stout brewing: it delivers color and bitterness without the heavy sweetness found in many other dark beer styles. The 22-ounce bottles sold in the United States are brewed and bottled by Guinness & Co. in Latrobe, Pennsylvania.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Roasted grain leads immediately, followed by subtle dark chocolate and coffee. A light fermentation fruitiness sits beneath the roast, adding a nuanced layer that keeps the nose from becoming one-dimensional.

Taste: The entry is crisp and slightly bitter, anchored by roasted barley. At mid-palate, sweet malt tones emerge to balance the bitterness, with distinct notes of dark chocolate and espresso. A faint smokiness surfaces toward the back end, rounding out a profile that stays balanced between bitter and sweet throughout.

Finish: Dry and clean, with lingering roasted grain and a subtle coffee bitterness that encourages the next sip. The mouthfeel is medium-bodied — lighter than many expect from a stout this dark — with a slight bite that fades smoothly.

How to Drink Guinness Extra Stout

Pour slowly into a tulip pint glass at around 45–50°F to let the roasted aromas open up; this stout rewards a deliberate pour and a moment of rest before drinking. Straight from the bottle works on a casual evening, but the glass reveals more.

Black Velvet: Equal parts Extra Stout and champagne or sparkling wine — the roast character tempers the wine's acidity for a surprisingly elegant combination. Snakebite (UK-style): Layered with dry cider, the stout's bitterness plays off the cider's tartness for a sessionable contrast. Black & Tan: Floated over a pale ale, Extra Stout adds a roasted cap that deepens the overall flavor without overpowering the base beer.

Best For

• Introducing someone to dry Irish stout for the first time
• Pairing alongside a hearty winter meal or backyard cookout
• A relaxed evening session when a 22-ounce format means one bottle is enough
• Gifting to a beer enthusiast who appreciates historic brewing traditions

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Guinness Extra Stout taste like? It delivers roasted barley bitterness balanced by dark chocolate and coffee sweetness, finishing dry and clean. The mouthfeel is medium-bodied and lighter than many dark beers, with a subtle smoky undertone.

How does Guinness Extra Stout compare to Murphy's Irish Stout? Both are dry Irish stouts brewed with roasted barley, but Murphy's leans creamier and slightly sweeter with less pronounced bitterness. Guinness Extra Stout has a crisper, more bitter roast character and a drier finish at 5.6% ABV compared to Murphy's 4% ABV.

Is Guinness Extra Stout good for beginners? Yes — its moderate 5.6% ABV and balanced bitterness-to-sweetness ratio make it one of the most approachable dark beers available. The dry finish keeps it from feeling heavy, which often surprises first-time stout drinkers.

Where is Guinness Extra Stout made? The brand originates from St. James's Gate Brewery in Dublin, Ireland, founded in 1759. The 22-ounce bottles sold in the United States are brewed and bottled by Guinness & Co. in Latrobe, Pennsylvania.

What foods pair well with Guinness Extra Stout? Oysters on the half shell are a classic Dublin pairing — the briny salinity amplifies the stout's roasted malt. Beef stew or shepherd's pie mirrors the beer's savory depth. Aged cheddar stands up to the bitterness without being overwhelmed. Dark chocolate desserts echo the cocoa notes in the beer. Barbecued ribs with a smoky rub complement the stout's own subtle smokiness.

What sizes does Guinness Extra Stout come in? Guinness Extra Stout is available in this 22-ounce single bottle as well as standard 11.2-ounce bottles sold in six-packs and twelve-packs.

Is Guinness Extra Stout worth the price? It positions as an everyday, accessible stout — priced in line with other widely distributed import-style beers. For a recipe with over 200 years of documented history and the level of flavor complexity it delivers, it represents strong value within the dry stout category.

Why Guinness Extra Stout?

Few beers can claim a verified recipe lineage stretching back to 1821. Guinness Extra Stout is not a spinoff or a limited edition — it is the original expression, the foundation on which the world's most recognized stout brand was built. The use of unmalted roasted barley rather than roasted malt is a defining technique of the dry Irish stout style, and Guinness essentially wrote the playbook. In a 22-ounce format, you get enough volume to appreciate the beer's progression from first sip to final swallow, where that signature dry finish confirms why this recipe has endured for two centuries.