The current drought of Guinness in pubs across the UK, ironically fueled by a TikTok trend called “Splitting the G,” has led many to seek alternative stout options. This trend, which involves partially draining a pint to create a specific visual effect in the remaining beer and head, has exacerbated existing supply issues, including the unfortunate disappearance of a truck carrying thousands of pints of Guinness. This shortage provides an opportunity to explore the diverse range of stouts available on supermarket shelves, offering a potential reprieve for those craving the dark, creamy beverage.
A comparative tasting of various stout brands revealed a spectrum of flavors, textures, and overall quality. BrewDog’s Black Heart, marketed as an “old dog with new tricks,” fell short of expectations, lacking the desired carbonation and creamy head, scoring a mere 2 out of 5. Lidl’s Kakawa Chocolate Stout offered a unique, chocolate-forward profile, distinguishing itself from the traditional Guinness style and earning a 3 out of 5. Dark Arts Surreal Stout, a vegan option, surprised with its lively pour, creamy head, and mild flavors, earning a respectable 4 out of 5 despite its higher alcohol content.
Hobgoblin Stout disappointed with its lack of distinctive characteristics, scoring a low 1 out of 5. The absence of creaminess, hoppiness, or chocolate/coffee notes rendered it forgettable. Aldi’s Coffee Stout, while not a true Guinness substitute, intrigued with its strong caramel and vanilla notes, making it more akin to a dessert drink than a traditional stout, also receiving a 3 out of 5. Black Sheep Milk Stout presented a dark, almost charcoal-like appearance with a chocolatey tone, offering a unique sipping experience suitable for slower enjoyment, and also earning a 3 out of 5.
Asda’s Forged Irish emerged as a strong contender, boasting a creamy head and complex flavors of coffee and chocolate, surpassing even canned Guinness in creaminess and earning a top score of 5 out of 5. Fuller’s Black Cab Stout, while possessing a deep color and flavor, lacked the desired creaminess and exhibited a slight bitterness, scoring a 2 out of 5. Finally, canned Guinness itself, the benchmark of the tasting, delivered a decent approximation of the draught experience with its signature hoppiness and creamy head thanks to the widget, but ultimately scored an average 3 out of 5.
This exploration of alternative stouts highlights the breadth of options available to those seeking a rich, dark beverage. From chocolate-infused variations to those with coffee and caramel notes, the market offers a variety of flavors and textures to suit different preferences. While the “Splitting the G” trend may have inadvertently caused a Guinness shortage, it has also opened the door for consumers to discover and appreciate the diverse world of stouts.
The tasting reveals that while some alternatives fall short of the Guinness standard, others offer unique and compelling flavor profiles. The emergence of Asda’s Forged Irish as a top contender demonstrates that supermarket shelves hold hidden gems for stout enthusiasts. This temporary Guinness drought may ultimately broaden the horizons of drinkers and lead to a greater appreciation for the diverse range of stouts available. The search for a suitable substitute becomes not just a necessity, but an opportunity for discovery.
