Irish Dry

Irish stout is one of the world's most misunderstood beer styles, and its most famous face, Guinness, bears the brunt of it. The black pour suggests something heavy and strong, yet the beer underneath is dry and light-bodied, with a coffee-like roast and a noticeable but smooth bitterness; Guinness Draught actually has less alcohol than Budweiser. The colour and the roast come from dark malts and roasted grain, famously roasted barley in Guinness's case, and the silky, creamy texture comes from the nitrogen used in the pour. Where a porter usually goes softer and more chocolatey, an Irish stout keeps the roast upfront and the finish dry. In Ireland, this is a session beer.