No Guinness? No problem

Guinness has long been a staple in the stout market, but recently it has enjoyed a huge surge in popularity, with sales spiking so much over the festive season there were supply issues. So, to gain a slice of this market, how can you source quality alternatives to Guinness?

One of the first things to consider is the flavour profile – it’s what sets Guinness apart. Look for stouts that emphasise similar characteristics, such as those with roasted malt, coffee and chocolatey notes. Lots of craft breweries create stouts and stout-style beers with complex flavours that can rival Guinness’s traditional flavour profile. Home in on stouts that use bitter hops and contrasting sweet malt that will deliver the coffee, sweet liquorice, dark chocolate and fruity molasses and overall rich and complex flavours that people love.

It might sound simple, but visiting local breweries is an excellent approach to sourcing alternatives. Many smaller brewers craft unique stouts that may not be widely known but offer exceptional quality. Engage with the brewers about their products, and don’t hesitate to ask for recommendations based on the taste preferences of your customers. Some of our local favourites include collaborations, such as the roasted barley and chocolate malt notes in Lakes Brew Co’s ‘Don’t Worry Be Frappe’ or the coffee and vanilla flavours in Farm Yard Brew Co’s ‘Smoove Dark.’

Keep an eye out for local beer festivals and events too – Stout Wars in Kendal in Cumbria specifically celebrates small breweries and their diverse stout offerings and offers all sorts of interesting alternatives. The limited-edition stouts at events like that are a fantastic way to discover new brews that no one else is stocking. 

Don’t forget to investigate the ingredients used in the brewing process. Quality stouts will often use high-quality malts and adjuncts. Some brewers experiment with diverse ingredients such as coffee, vanilla or even miso to create innovative flavours, so look out for these creative brews that can bring a fresh twist to the classic stout experience and keep your customers coming back for more.

Another handy research tip is to tap into your local beer community. They can be a great source of knowledge to help you find alternatives and they’re often more than happy to share their recommendations.

Understanding the brewing process, the ingredients used and what the brewery in question is trying to achieve can help you make informed choices that will help elevate the stout-drinking experience of your customers. The world of craft beer is rich and diverse – embrace it and who knows? You may just find a new favourite.

Nicola Tickle is the co-owner of Heft in Newton in Cartmel, Cumbria

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Photo: Jenny Jones Photography