One Of Ireland's Must-Try Stouts Famously Rivals Guinness (And You May Even Like It More)

Home to a wealth of rugged coastlines, medieval castles, and bustling towns, Ireland wins over pretty much every type of traveler — especially those who are willing to go beyond the beaten path. That said, outside of exploring natural landscapes and visiting historical monuments, there's a handful of travelers who also flock to the country for one major attraction: its atmospheric and vibrant pub culture. A great way to connect with locals and enjoy an authentic experience in Ireland, Irish pubs operate as community hubs where locals and tourists alike come together for live music, hearty food, and of course, world-famous drinks. And what better way to do that than with a perfectly poured Guinness — the most recognizable of Irish beers.

Created in 1799 by Arthur Guinness, this iconic black stout has become so connected to Irish identity that the Guinness Storehouse in Dublin ranks among the country's top tourist attractions — welcoming roughly 1.65 million visitors in 2024. However, given its status as a national icon, you'd probably be surprised to learn there's another top stout contender that's quickly gaining traction in pubs across the United Kingdom. Enter: Murphy's Irish Stout.

Established in 1856 by James J. Murphy in Cork, the brew represents a different challenger to Ireland's brewing tradition. Originally distributed through refrigerated ships (a first in the industry), Murphy's grew far beyond its humble Cork roots to become a global brand — today, the stout is available in over 40 countries worldwide. And although both stouts share a deep Irish heritage that's hard to match, the battle for top position isn't over. In fact, plenty of visitors actually discover that they prefer Murphy's smoother profile after trying both — making this lesser-known (but beloved) stout a must-try alternative.

Despite both being Irish stouts, Murphy's and Guinness aren't identical. For starters, the most notable difference between these rival stouts shows up right in your glass from the moment they're poured. While both pour dark, Murphy's develops a more tan-colored head (or foam) compared to Guinness's cream-colored top. Along with that, Murphy's also tends to show more visible bubbles in its head and along the glass.

In addition to appearance, their flavor profiles also sets these stouts apart. Specifically, Murphy's offers a smoother, sweeter experience with notes of chocolate, caramel, and malt. Plus, with 4% alcohol content, it offers a gentle, creamy mouthfeel that beginner stout drinkers find a lot more approachable. Guinness, meanwhile, packs a bolder punch with a stronger roasted character with pronounced smokiness and a slightly drier finish at 4.2% ABV. That's why, for first-time stout drinkers, Murphy's often tends to be a lot more accessible, with a distinctive smoothness and balanced sweetness.

Like any great stout, Murphy's deserves to be served with care in order to fully enjoy its unique taste. The perfect Murphy's starts with the right glass: a clean, dry pint glass with straight sides works best to show off its color and hold its creamy head. Temperature-wise, the ideal Murphy's should be chilled to 40 degrees Fahrenheit and poured at 45 degrees Fahrenheit. This is slightly warmer than your typical lager, which will help bring out the smooth chocolate and caramel notes.

Additionally, the pouring technique matters just as much as the temperature. To pour the drink properly, hold your pint glass at a 45-degree angle as you start to fill it up. This will help create those dense, tiny nitrogen bubbles that give Murphy's its signature creamy texture. As the glass fills, gradually straighten it to a standing position. Let it settle for about a minute, then top it off slowly until the tan head forms a slight dome.

Lastly, for the best taste experience, make sure you take your time with each sip. Drinking a Murphy's isn't meant to be rushed! The first sip will highlight its initial sweetness, and drinking it slowly will give you enough time to notice the subtle flavors that start to arise as you sip. Better yet, plenty of locals also point out that Murphy's typically pairs well with classic pub foods, including staples like lamb, burgers, and shepherd's pie.