For decades, Guinness has held an almost untouchable reputation in the stout world. Its creamy texture and roasted flavours have made it a bar staple across the globe. But the stout landscape has changed dramatically in recent years. A new generation of brewers have refined, reinvented, and rediscovered what a great stout can be, and some of them are giving the Irish giant a serious run for its money.
Here are three exceptional alternatives that every stout lover should try next.
Murphy’s Irish Stout — The Classic Rival
If you love Guinness’s Irish charm but wish for a smoother, lighter sip, Murphy’s might just steal your heart. Brewed in Cork since 1856, it offers a creamier body with less bitterness and a subtle chocolate sweetness that makes it incredibly drinkable. The nitrogen pour still gives that familiar cascading head, but the overall flavour is softer and more rounded, perfect for those who want richness without heaviness.
Taste profile: Gentle roast, touch of cocoa, smooth mouthfeel.
Best for: Fans of traditional Irish stout with a milder edge.
Camden Stout — Smooth and Modern
London’s Camden Town Brewery has built its reputation on bright, flavour-forward beers, and its Camden Stout shows that same precision applied to the dark side. It delivers a velvety pour and a clean, roasted flavour that balances coffee bitterness with hints of vanilla sweetness. Camden’s take is modern but refined: fresh, balanced, and endlessly drinkable.
Taste profile: Espresso roast, chocolate notes, clean finish.
Best for: Drinkers who want stout character with modern sessionability.
BrewDog Black Heart — Bold, Contemporary, and Defiant
BrewDog’s Black Heart is crafted specifically for the Guinness drinker who’s ready for a change. With a creamy texture and bold roasted malt character, it’s recognisably stout but with more punch and complexity. BrewDog describes it as “a new stout for a new era,” and it lives up to that claim with dark chocolate, coffee, and subtle caramel notes backed by a dry, satisfying finish.
Taste profile: Intense roast, bitter chocolate, hint of caramel.
Best for: Those seeking a bold alternative with modern craft attitude.
The New Age of Stout Drinking
The stout category is no longer dominated by a single name. Whether you’re drawn to the smooth Irish tradition of Murphy’s, the clean refinement of Camden Stout, or the rebellious edge of BrewDog Black Heart, each offers a distinct take on what makes a dark beer truly rewarding.
Next time you’re about to order a pint of Guinness, give one of these exceptional stouts a chance. You might just find your new favourite.