Cauld Reekie vs Newbarns Stout: Which Should You Drink?

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Cauld Reekie

Stewart Brewing

United Kingdom · Stout - Other

hopIQ rank #683

85%

Overall similarity

side by side, across 56 flavour tags

Newbarns Stout

Newbarns Brewery

United Kingdom · Stout - Other

HOPIQ TAKE

Cauld Reekie if you want a stout with more roasted complexity and character, Newbarns Stout if you want something leaner and more approachable. Both sit at a friendly 5-5.5% ABV and identical 40 IBUs, so neither will overwhelm you with bitterness. The difference is really in how much darkness and Scottish brewing tradition you're after versus a cleaner, more straightforward stout experience.

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WHEN TO CHOOSE WHICH

Pick Cauld Reekie when…

→You want to taste what a Scottish stout actually tastes like
→You're in the mood for something with more roasted character and depth
→You're willing to sit with a beer and actually notice the layers

Pick Newbarns Stout when…

→You want an easy-drinking stout that doesn't demand attention
→You're ordering multiple rounds and need something sessionable
→You prefer stouts that feel lighter and more approachable overall

SIDE BY SIDE

	Cauld Reekie	Newbarns Stout
ABV	5.5%	5%
Bitterness	Noticeably bitter	Noticeably bitter
Colour	Dark	Dark
Style	Stout - Other	Stout - Other
Origin	United Kingdom	United Kingdom

WHAT IT TASTES OF

9 shared · 3 distinct

Both beers

roastedcoffeerichchocolatefull-bodiedbittermaltysmoothdark fruit

STRUCTURE — HOW IT'S BUILT

Cauld ReekieNewbarns Stout

Bitterness

Body

TASTING NOTES

Cauld Reekie

RoastedCoffeeRich

Cauld Reekie has this wonderful roasted edge that doesn't feel heavy despite the name—there's actual complexity on the palate, with hints of cocoa and burnt toast that linger without being astringent. The 5.5% ABV sits just right; it's present enough to round out the darker malt flavours without making this feel like a session drinker. Finishes with a subtle dryness that makes you want another sip rather than feeling done with it.

Newbarns Stout

RoastedCoffeeRich

Newbarns Stout is the more straightforward option—cleaner malt profile, less roasted intensity, more drinkable-from-the-first-sip kind of vibe. There's chocolate there but it's gentler, and at 5% ABV it feels genuinely lighter in the mouth. This is the stout that doesn't make a statement; it just slides down and leaves you refreshed rather than contemplative.

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