HOPIQ FACEOFF
THE HOPIQ TAKE
This comparison is about what Irish stout can be beyond the ubiquitous option. Guinness is the stout everyone has had and most people like — roasty, slightly bitter, that unmistakable nitro pour. Murphy's is less famous and better in a quiet way: smoother, less bitter, slightly more chocolatey, with a creaminess on draught that matches Guinness and then adds a gentler roast. Guinness tastes of stout as a genre. Murphy's tastes of stout as a specific thing — Cork-brewed, unhurried, slightly softer. If you've never tried Murphy's because Guinness is always there, that's the comparison worth making.
SIDE BY SIDE
| Guinness Draught | Murphy's Irish Stout | |
| ABV | 4.2% | 4.0% |
| IBU | 45 | 36 |
| Colour | Opaque black, SRM 40+ | Opaque black, SRM 40+ |
| Style | Stout | Stout |
| Origin | Ireland | Ireland |
WHEN TO CHOOSE WHICH
Pick Guinness Draught when…
- →You want the stout experience everyone recognises and that everyone agrees is the benchmark
- →St Patrick's Day or any Irish pub ritual — the ceremony matters
- →Pairing with oysters — Guinness and oysters is one of the greatest beer-food pairings
- →You want the assertive, dry, bitter style rather than a gentler stout
Pick Murphy's Irish Stout when…
- →You've had Guinness a thousand times and want to see what the other Cork answer is
- →Food pairing with chocolate desserts — the gentler roast complements rather than competes
- →Someone who finds Guinness slightly too bitter — this is the entry point
- Slow evening stout where you want something cosy rather than challenging
WHAT IT TASTES OF
Both beers
STRUCTURE — HOW IT'S BUILT
TASTING NOTES
SIMILARITY SCORE
73%
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is the difference between Guinness and Murphy's?
Guinness Draught (4.2% ABV, 45 IBU) is roastier, slightly more bitter and drier with a characteristic long finish. Murphy's Irish Stout (4.0% ABV, 36 IBU) is smoother, less bitter and more chocolatey with a gentler roast and softer close.
Is Murphy's or Guinness better?
Guinness is the more assertive, drier stout. Murphy's is smoother and more approachable with a chocolate note Guinness lacks. Most Irish stout lovers have tried Guinness thousands of times — Murphy's is worth trying for the contrast.
Is Murphy's Irish Stout less bitter than Guinness?
Yes. Murphy's has around 36 IBU compared to Guinness Draught's 45 IBU, making it noticeably less bitter with a softer, cleaner finish.
Where is Murphy's Irish Stout brewed?
Murphy's Irish Stout is brewed at the Lady's Well Brewery in Cork, Ireland. It has been brewed in Cork since 1856.