O’Hara’s Irish Stout is a new challenger to the crown, with some reviewers claiming it is ‘100% better than Guinness’ and ‘the best-sticking one we’ve had out of the tins’
Guinness has long been a beloved pint for many, its iconic jet black body and thick, creamy head remaining unchanged while other alcoholic beverages have evolved with various gimmicks over the years. Its popularity is such that it’s hard to find a pub in the UK or Ireland where this “black stuff” isn’t on tap.
The recent introduction of alcohol-free Guinness 0.0 has also quickly gained traction. However, like any champion, there are always challengers waiting in the wings.
One such contender is Murphy’s, another long-standing Irish stout that some fans believe tastes superior to Guinness. Yet, there are newer competitors that are gaining favour.
In fact, one beer reviewer was so convinced after a taste test that he declared with “100%” certainty that it was better than Guinness. Drinks reviewer Dom Drinks Beer revealed on TikTok that he had been recommended O’Hara’s Irish Stout “hundreds of times” and had “finally got hold of it”.
Comparing the two Irish stouts side by side, he found little difference in their appearance, but noted that O’Hara’s, at 4.3%, is slightly stronger than Guinness, which stands at 4.1%, reports the Express.
Sampling the Guinness, he said: “Oh so creamy”, before turning his attention to O’Hara’s and added: “Fully rate that, it’s a little bit creamier than Guinness, and there’s more flavour, and that smokiness, I can’t get enough of it. So, 100%, O’Hara’s is better than Guinness.”
Another TikTok beer connoisseur, The Linton Lounge, scored O’Hara’s an impressive 8 out of 10, and said: “Yep, that’s really good. As you can see on the glass, that’s probably the best-sticking one we’ve had out of the tins so far. I couldn’t fault it.”
Meanwhile, Glasgow Beer Guy offered his praise: “I’d say this is better than Guinness.”
However, not everyone was swayed; Dan One Minute Beer Review opined that while O’Hara’s was indeed commendable and delivered on its espresso hints as the brewers advertise, it “wasn’t a patch” on the renown of Guinness. Produced by Carlow Brewing Company in County Carlow, Ireland, O’Hara’s is a relative newcomer, having only started brewing in 1998 – a stark contrast to Guinness’s storied history dating back to 1759 when Arthur Guinness set up shop in Dublin – making it youthful by some 250 years, and over 150 years junior to Murphy’s, established in Cork in 1856, which stands as the country’s second-largest beer producer after Guinness, naturally.
The Irish Post applauds O’Hara’s as a nostalgic nod “hark back to the classic Irish stouts of yesteryear”, noting: “Known for its quality and authenticity, O’Hara’s Irish Stout boasts a robust roast flavour complemented by a full-bodied and smooth feel.
“It’s a gloriously creamy Irish stout, it blends coffee aromas with light liquorice notes thanks to its combination of traditional stout hops and roast barley.”
