The nice folks at Taylor Strategies, the PR firm for Guinness in the US, sent me samples of two variations on the theme.
Old Fashioned Inspired Ale
Bourbon-barrel aged and finished with fruit flavors, this ale was inspired by the cocktail of the same name. I admit that, if challenged, I couldn’t come close to guessing that it was meant to recall that taste, but it doesn’t really need to reference any other drink to be a perfectly agreeable mouthful.
It presents as lighter in color than the classic stout, with a distinct cherry-red cast, and a good traditional head. Both of us tasting it agreed that it was a worthy addition to the Guinness family. I had had initial thoughts about using it in a ham glaze or a Guinness cake, but it was too tasty for that. We drank it all straight, with dinner.
It’s definitely something to look forward to when the nights start getting longer each year. I hope they are planning to bring it, or something close to it, back each holiday season.
Guinness 0 Non-Alcoholic Draught
And just in time for Dry January (celebrating another vibe altogether): Guinness 0. An alcohol-free version of an icon is a little more fraught, and deserves a more nuanced consideration. Our samples came with a suggested recipe for a Black Velvet Mocktail (Guinness 0 and non-alcoholic sparkling wine). We tried it straight first, of course, then mixed with some leftover bubbly and also half-and-half with fizzy lemonade, for the favorite drink of my youth, a shandy.
Tasting G0 straight, the two of us had divergent opinions. We agreed that its appearance was indistinguishable from the classic pour, with dark, thick body and high head (what the nitro capsule in the can is for!) We also agreed that the mouth-feel recalled the classic product well.
Although Taster 1 enjoyed the taste when initially poured, they felt it became insipid upon standing. The BV was too sweet, but the shandy was very good.
Taster 2 was more negative towards the straight pour: oversimplified, with no nuance or complexity, especially missing the chocolate and coffee notes expected in the classic brew. They disliked the shandy, but very much did like the BV. No accounting for tastes!
Guinness 0 would be a great choice for a nondrinker out for a night with drinking friends. If I had to swear off alcohol for a time or forever, I would be grateful for the option, especially in the form of a shandy. But I hope I will be excused for hoping that that day never comes.
