Newcastle vs Leffe Blonde vs Guinness Extra Stout

Maybe my perception, but neither product seems particularly pronounced in that department. I do prefer the "extra" version though. BTW, I really enjoyed reading your article about Stroh's/Pabst/Sam Adams.

 

Of these, Guinness Extra Stout, but I'd also like to recommend Smithwick's. I had it again recently and it actually blew me away with how good it was. Tons of great toasty malt flavor, and you actually taste the hops, too. $8.99 a six pack here and under 5%. A perfect session beer.

 

Seconded on that thought. The Dublin brewed version (now thankfully what we Americans now get) was superior overall in the flavor and overall experience. I enjoy Guinness Extra Stout so much more, now that it is sourced from Dublin again. Arguably my favorite Session Stout ever. Light and enjoyable. I like it even better during winter.

 

agree Guinness. I got stuck drinking Leffe in Qatar a couple of months ago during Ramadan over 3 days. One beer is ok in a pinch when out w/friends/family or colleagues -- but to make a night of Leffe blonde and then repeat two more times in a row? Modern day equivalent of greek tragedy. To quote Wiki - The typical Greek Tragedy story line can be described as "the downfall of a basically good person through some fatal error or misjudgment, producing suffering and insight on the part of the protagonist and arousing pity and fear on the part of the audience". Bingo.

 

Are they as accessible?

 

I voted Leffe given the terms of the vote (the whole 6 pack thing). I think Guinness is a better beer, but out of the bottle is does not hold up to the standard set on draught. Frankly , as an Irishman , it amazes me that so many people who live abroad like Guinness so much! Of course i think it is a good thing - i'm sure the sale of Guinness abroad makes up a decent chunk of the irish economy hehe -, it's just that i would only ever drink Guinness in Ireland (unless i'm in Cork , in which case one must drink Murphy's) and i would only ever have it on tap, because I always thought Guinness just wasn't that good under otherwise. Am i in the minority here ?

 

Not my picture, but I couldn't believe when my brother told me how inexpensive a sixer of New Castle was he recently purchased.

 

Of Guinness drinkers who drink it in Ireland? Yes

 

This was the easiest question I faced and answered today. (G'ness!)

 

In the US, the only Guinness* commonly found "on tap" is the nitrogenized 4.2% Guinness Draught - a very different beer than the OP's Guinness Extra Stout, the US-import version of which is 5.6% (so, even higher in alcohol than the bottled 5% Guinness Original sold in Ireland, according to the Guinness Ireland website).

* Supposedly, there are now kegs of Guinness Foreign Extra Stout available in the US - though I've yet to see it.

 

I voted for the Leffe Blonde, a month from now I'd go with Newcastle, when the snow flies it's time for Guinness.

 

It's strange how people consider dark beers as cold weather choices.The biggest Guinness brewery is in Nigeria and Jamaica is famed for its stouts.Neither country is noted for cold weather