Guinness Extra Stout: 29

Taste: 10 Finish: 10 Visual: 5 Aroma: 4
Total: 29

Long before Guinness came up with the CO2 widget and developed their in-the-bottle draught, there was Extra Stout. Now, Extra Stout tastes nothing like what pure magic comes out of the tap and a good pub. It is its own concoction of pure dark goodness.

It pours with a medium head that is foamy and of a dark cream. It smells sweet yet pungent. Watching it being poured as it bubbles and ebbs and swirls is a treat.

It starts with a swish of sweetness. But that is quickly overtaken by the roasted coffee middle. Finally the bitterness of a really good dark chocolate hits in the back. The finish is strong but controlled. Chocolate. Coffee. Hops. Beer. They all wash together. It then dissipates but leaves a bit of a bitter undertone on the tongue. It is fantastic. I don't think I could drink a six of this. But then, Guinness Extra Stout is like drinking melted chocolate and bread in one. It is a meal on its own. This is a drink paired with hearty foods such as a ribeye or thick stew. It's also great to cook with to add to stews and chili.

Overall, I would say I actually like the Extra Stout over the Draught. The Draught has a nice smoothness to it. Extra Stout is more of a statement. It is a perfect beer. It's not one you could drink every day, well, maybe you could. But if you're dying for a full flavored dark beer, then Guinness Extra Stout is a near perfect 29.