Murphy's Stout -- Murphy Brewery / InBev (Luton, England)
In my experience, Murphy's is the third-most popular of the major Irish stouts (after Guinness and Beamish) -- a little bit harder to find, but certainly worth the effort.
Characteristics: Rich blackish-brown (nearly opaque) color with the classic tan creamy head, nitrogen widget can pour that takes about a minute to settle to light carbonation, smooth toasted malt flavors with just enough hops (especially at the beginning of each sip, and then lingering at the back of the tongue) to keep the sweetness out.
Minor Gripes: Is it bad that this beer goes down so easy? It would be nice to find this on tap more often... instead, one Irish pub in my neighborhood has stopped offering Beamish on tap (presumably for lack of sales) and I've only seen Murphy's in a great bar / guest house in Milwaukee.
Bottom Line: Admittedly, I've never understood the fear that many people have of Irish stouts... I find them easy to drink, perhaps even on the lighter end of the spectrum (especially compared with beers like the chocolate porters). And overall I'd rather drink Murphy's than Guinness from the nitro-can.
Rating: 6.75 / 10
Characteristics: Rich blackish-brown (nearly opaque) color with the classic tan creamy head, nitrogen widget can pour that takes about a minute to settle to light carbonation, smooth toasted malt flavors with just enough hops (especially at the beginning of each sip, and then lingering at the back of the tongue) to keep the sweetness out.
Minor Gripes: Is it bad that this beer goes down so easy? It would be nice to find this on tap more often... instead, one Irish pub in my neighborhood has stopped offering Beamish on tap (presumably for lack of sales) and I've only seen Murphy's in a great bar / guest house in Milwaukee.
Bottom Line: Admittedly, I've never understood the fear that many people have of Irish stouts... I find them easy to drink, perhaps even on the lighter end of the spectrum (especially compared with beers like the chocolate porters). And overall I'd rather drink Murphy's than Guinness from the nitro-can.
Rating: 6.75 / 10
Categories:
Stout
I disagree with the upfront hop flavour, I think you are confusing this with a sweet malt flavour? The beer you are describing sounds more in line with Beamish Irish Stout. Anyhow, you can read my impression at [thebeerdiary.blogspot.com].
I'm familiar with sweet malts -- and also the way that beers (especially cream stouts) change from tap to bottle/can -- so maybe I got an older batch. I just had a Beamish last night and definitely agree that it runs drier/hoppier than the other Irish stouts. But thanks for the comment!