Skip to main content

Taste Test: The New Guinness Nitro IPA

When it comes to stouts, Guinness rules the world. Guinness Draught may not be the absolute best, but it’s pretty good, and it’s freaking everywhere. Guinness’ signature stout is especially beloved in its home nation of Ireland, where many pubs go through a keg every day. On the weekends, some popular bars finish a keg every hour.

After over 250 years of focusing on stout, it seems odd that Guinness would toss its jaunty Irish cap into the IPA ring. You might chalk this up to Guinness’ disappointing sales in recent years, or perhaps the new-found popularity of IPAs.

Recommended Videos

That answers the IPA question, but why go nitro? Well, nitro — the ingenious infusion of nitrogen into draft beer — gives Guinness the trademark velvety texture and head. It’s only natural for Guinness to extend the nitrogenated goodness to their IPA.

Pint and Can
Image used with permission by copyright holder

I was fortunate enough to taste the new Nitro IPA at Downtown Portland’s Swank Restaurant. As a beer-loving Portland native, I’ve had the pleasure of drinking gallons of crisp, balanced, and interesting IPAs from dozens of small craft breweries. Guinness, of course, is a foreign, stout beer juggernaut; on paper, their IPA is a tough sell for insufferable Portlandy beer snobs like myself.  

Related: Stumptown Nitro Cold Brew: It’s Like Guinness, but Coffee

Indeed, I found the Nitro IPA to be enjoyable, but not mind-blowing. I could only detect a hint of hop aroma, while I’m used to IPAs that make my eyes water after a couple sniffs. Guinness’ signature creamy mouthfeel is definitely there, though I suspect it’s at the expense of the bubbly crispness that rocks most IPAs. As for taste, I was delighted by hints of caramel and citrus and a gentle bitterness on the back of the tongue. I drank two, if that tells you anything.

I can think of a couple explanations for the Nitro IPA’s failure to knock my socks off, beyond my personal bias for Northwest craft IPAs. Number one: The beer was in a can. Though the Nitro IPA contains the Guinness “widget” — an ingenious ping-pong-ball-like device that injects nitrogen into canned beer — nitro beer from a can just isn’t the same, even when poured into a glass.

Number two: The IPA is made en masse in Ireland. Though Guinness is well-loved, mass produced beers are often harder to enjoy than lovingly crafted beers from smaller breweries — particularly when the freshness is compromised by weeks of storage and shipping (which it must endure before reaching the Northwest U.S., at least).  

Pint Being Poured  

The Nitro IPA cans should be available in supermarkets everywhere sometime over the next week. I was told that kegs will find their way stateside several weeks after that. If you happen to see the Nitro IPA on the shelves or in bars, I’d say go for it. You’ll still have a decent beer-drinking experience.       

In conclusion, the Nitro IPA is a fine beer that fits elegantly into the Guinness family. People who typically steer clear of IPAs will find the Nitro IPA absolutely drinkable; however, steel-tongued IPA drinkers will likely be disappointed — at least until the kegged version becomes available.

ABV: 5.8%

44 IBUs

TJ Carter
Former Digital Trends Contributor
TJ Carter wears many hats, both figuratively and literally. He graduated from the University of Oregon in 2011 with a degree…
Kentucky Owl’s new Batch #13 is the final masterpiece from a bourbon legend
Kentucky Owl

Popular whiskey brand Kentucky Owl recently announced the launch of its newest bourbon, Batch #13. It was blended and crafted by former Master Blender John Rhea. What makes the whiskey more unique is that it was the last bourbon blend created by the Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame member before his retirement.
Kentucky Owl Batch #13

Batch #13 consists of a blend of five different bourbons. There’s a mix of younger and wheated whiskeys and more mature and higher rye whiskeys. The blend is roughly between eight and nine years old.

Read more
This underrated Dunkin’ coffee is smooth, strong, and totally worth the hunt
Don't overlook this coffee staple order
Dunkin nitro cold brew

Nitro cold brew is one of my go-to, anytime coffee orders, and it never disappoints, no matter where you order it. Even though nitro cold brew has grown in popularity, I still find it a "harder to find" coffee shop order when I'm on the go. I crave something about this drink's velvety smoothness—something you don't get from a regular cold brew order.

But why isn't everyone ordering the Dunkin' Nitro cold brew? Maybe Dunkin' just missed the mark on marketing this exceptional drink, but everyone I've talked to seems to have no idea that Dunkin' even has nitro cold brew. Or maybe it's just that this drink is not available at every Dunkin' location. Everyone seems to associate nitro cold brew with Starbucks, yet this drink is available beyond just Starbucks locations. Here's why I'll keep ordering Dunkin's nitro cold brew (and telling everyone I know about this order).
Where to find the Dunkin' nitro cold brew

Read more
When it comes to Champagne, what does the word “Brut” actually mean?
Get to know your bubbly
Champagne flutes

There’s just something about champagne that makes my heart flutter. Maybe it’s the sparkle, maybe it’s that famous cork pop that signals the start of a glamorous time, or maybe it’s the way it makes any cocktail feel special. I love champagne in all its forms, whether it’s bone-dry and bracing or sweet and indulgent. But not all bubbly is created equal, and if you’ve ever been confused by the difference between “brut” and “demi-sec,” you’re not alone. Let’s break down the different types of champagne so you can sip exactly what you love.
Understanding Champagne sweetness levels isn’t just wine snob trivia — it’s the key to choosing a bottle you’ll actually enjoy. Whether you’re a brut loyalist or prefer your Champagne to be softer and sweeter, knowing the differences between brut, extra dry, sec, demi-sec, and doux puts you one step closer to popping the perfect bottle. Let’s break it down, starting with the term you’re most likely to see: Brut.

What is Brut Champagne?

Read more