Guinness is one of the world’s most popular and iconic beers from the St. James’s Gate Brewery in Dublin, Ireland.
It has appeared for over 200 years and become a household name. However, many wonder about the Guinness alcohol content.
If you are in the same boat, let’s click on this article to discover more about this alcoholic drink!
Overview Of Guinness
Guinness is an excellent option whether you are a beer lover or want to try something new. Let’s take a quick look at this alcoholic drink!
History
Guinness was first brewed in 1759 by Arthur Guinness in Dublin, Ireland.
It was an instant success. Also, it became the nation’s most consumed beer at the beginning of the 19th century.
The Guinness Brewery has a long and storied history. It has been essential in the development of Dublin and Ireland.
Taste
Guinness has a unique taste, often described as rich, creamy, and full-bodied.
It has a distinct roasted flavor derived from using roasted barley in the brewing process.
This beverage also has a smooth and creamy texture from using nitrogen instead of carbon dioxide in the carbonation process.
Smell
In terms of smell, Guinness has a roasted aroma reminiscent of coffee or dark chocolate.
This alcoholic drink also has a thick, creamy head characteristic of nitrogenated beers.
Appearance
In terms of appearance, Guinness is a dark beer with a deep ruby-red color.
When poured, it forms a thick, creamy head resulting from the nitrogenation process.
This beverage is also opaque. It is not transparent, and you cannot see through it.
Nutritional Facts
Guinness is often considered a heavy beer but surprisingly low in calories and carbohydrates.
A 12-ounce serving of Guinness contains only 125 calories and 10 grams of carbohydrates.
Guinness is also a good source of iron, with one serving to provide 3% of your daily recommended intake.
Overview Of Guinness
Guinness Alcohol Content
Guinness has an alcohol content of around 4.2% by volume (ABV). It puts this beer in the same range as other lagers.
This amount may seem more modest than other alcoholic beverages. However, people often consume this drink in large quantities.
Therefore, you must drink responsibly and know your limits. Keep reading to learn more about Guinness alcohol concentration.
Explanation Of Alcohol By Volume (Abv)
Alcohol by volume, or ABV, is a standard measure of the alcohol amount in an alcoholic drink.
The percentage of the beverage’s overall volume is used to express it. The ABV of Guinness is 4.1% – 4.3%, depending on the specific variety.
Alcohol Content Of Different Types Of Guinness Beers
Guinness offers many varieties, each with slightly different alcohol content.
- The original Guinness Draught: 4.2%
- Guinness Extra Stout: 5.6%.
- Guinness Foreign Extra Stout: 7.5%.
- The limited edition Guinness 250 Anniversary Stout: 5%
- Guinness Nitro IPA: 5.8%.
Comparison With Other Beers And Alcoholic Beverages
Guinness has a relatively low ABV compared to other popular beer brands. For example:
- Budweiser has an ABV of 5%
- Stella Artois has an ABV of 5.2%.
- Heineken has an ABV of 5%.
However, Guinness still falls into the beer category with lower alcohol content than wine and spirits.
- A typical glass of wine has an ABV of 12%.
- Meanwhile, a shot of vodka has an ABV of around 40%.
Guinness Alcohol Content
Health Effects Of Drinking Guinness
Drinking Guinness in moderation can have several health benefits.
The antioxidants in this drink protect your body from damage. It can reduce the risk of cancer and chronic diseases.
Additionally, the vitamin B12 in this beverage can improve brain function. Also, it reduces the risk of Alzheimer’s disease.
Drinking Guinness in moderation can have health benefits. However, overconsumption can harm your health.
It is vital to drink this beer in moderation. Besides, avoid it if you have any pre-existing health conditions.
Health Effects Of Drinking Guinness
How To Brew Guinness?
Brewing Guinness can be a fun and rewarding experience. Here are detailed guides:
- Gather the ingredients, including water, barley malt, roasted barley, hops, and yeast.
- Heat the water in a large saucepan. Once the water reaches the right temperature, add the barley malt and roasted barley. This mixture is called the mash.
- Allow the mash to steep for one hour. This process converts the starch in the barley into sugars.
- Separate the liquid from the mash. This liquid is called wort.
- Boil the wort and add hops. Hops give the drink its bitterness and help balance the sweetness of the malt.
- Boil the mixture for an hour. Next, cool it down.
- Add yeast to the cooled wort. Yeast is what converts the sugar in the beverage into alcohol.
- Once adding the yeast, transfer the liquid to a fermenting vessel. Let it ferment for several days.
- Before you drink your beer, you need to add carbon dioxide. You can do this by adding sugar to it. Leave it in a sealed container for a few days.
- Enjoy your beer!
Tips For Preserving Guinness For Later Use
Once you open a can or bottle of Guinness, storing it for later use can be difficult. Here are some ways to preserve it:
Storing in the Fridge
This tip will help slow the oxidation process and preserve the beer flavor.
It would be best to store Guinness at a temperature between 35°F – 40°F. Thus, you can prevent your beverage from freezing.
If you have opened a can or bottle, drink it within 24 – 48 hours of opening. It ensures that your beer is fresh.
Using a Beer Saver
A beer saver is a small tool that allows you to reseal an open bottle or can of beer. It can help keep the drink fresh longer and prevent it from going flat.
Beer savers are inexpensive and available at most home goods stores or online. Watch this review before getting some:
In A Nutshell
Guinness is a beloved beer with a rich history and a unique flavor. Its alcohol content is more modest (4.2%) than other alcoholic beverages. That said, you must drink responsibly and know your limits.
By doing so, you can fully enjoy the taste and experience of drinking Guinness without any negative consequences.
