The UK stout scene just got a serious shake-up. Molson Coors, the name behind big hitters like Carling, has decided it’s time to jump back into the dark, creamy depths of stout with Caffrey’s Black Stout, a brand-new 3.4% ABV brew that’s already pouring in pubs across the country.
This move marks Caffrey’s first return to stout since the brand’s 19th-century roots, and it couldn’t be better timed. According to Kantar, stout drinkers in the UK have surged by 31% since 2023, with younger drinkers (especially those aged 25–34) leading the charge. Clearly, the nation’s palate for dark beer is growing, and quickly.
Caffrey’s Black Stout aims to stand out in a market long dominated by Guinness, bringing what Molson Coors describes as “strong value for both drinkers and operators.” That’s corporate-speak for “great pint, good price.” The beer is nitrogen-infused for that silky texture stout lovers crave and is said to balance smoothness with sessionable strength, at 3.4% ABV, this is one you can enjoy without toppling over after two rounds.
Kev Fawell, Molson Coors’ UK and Ireland Sales Director, put it plainly: the stout category is no longer just for traditionalists. More drinkers are exploring darker beers, and established names like Caffrey’s see a big opportunity to ride that wave.
And they’re not wrong. With rival brewers like BrewDog (and their popular Black Heart stout) trying to chip away at Guinness’s long-standing pub dominance, the stout category looks set for a resurgence. GlobalData predicts its value could climb to $3.3 billion by 2029, with an annual growth rate of 8.2%. That’s a tasty prospect for anyone with a tap handle and a dream.
For now, Caffrey’s Black Stout will be exclusive to UK pubs, so fans of a creamy pint might want to keep an eye on their local taps. Whether it can nudge its way into stout lovers’ regular rounds remains to be seen, but one thing’s certain: the battle of the black pint is just beginning.
Source: Just-drinks.com