Guinness isn’t the highest-rated stout
New data revealing the highest-rated Irish dry stouts shows that one English brewery in particular now dominates the style that has been long-associated with Guinness. db finds out which brand comes out on top.
The list, gathered from Untappd data, collates the top 26 highest-rated Irish dry stouts and shows that England now accounts for 23 of the top-rated beers. Plus, only one beer in the list is brewed in Northern Ireland, and just one in Scotland.
Leading the pack is The Kernel Brewery, responsible for 17 of the top 26 beers, with consistently strong ratings across multiple dry stout variations.
Looking more closely at the data, the analysis shows that, rather than pushing higher alcohol or novelty flavours, most of the best-rated stouts sit between 4.4% ABV and 4.9% ABV. Beer styles such as stout and porter have been having something of a resurgence in Britain right now, with many main players like Molson Coors’s Caffrey’s and Heineken’s Murphy’s brand along with independent breweries such as Anspach & Hobday flying a flag for the trend and its revival too.
As pubs brace for purported Guinness shortages during the Six Nations, the research also hints that drinkers are already embracing alternative stouts and, according to beer equipment supply specialists, rumours are surfacing that many venues are already preparing to stock alternative stouts as demand surges during the tournament.
The findings which United Silicones has shone a light on, have also highlighted that if pubs are forced to pour alternatives during the Six Nations, that drinkers are likely to prioritise smoothness, balance, and quality of serve over brand loyalty, especially for a style where small differences in dispense can dramatically affect taste.
Speaking to the drinks business about the plight for quality dispense, Guy Chapman, silicone supplier at United Silicones said: “Guinness has a huge cultural presence, especially around events like the Six Nations, but the data suggests its dominance is often overstated. When you look at the highest-rated Irish dry stouts, most aren’t brewed in Ireland at all, which shows drinkers are far more flexible than people assume.”
Chapman explained: “Maintaining beer in optimal condition is fundamental to preserving its intended flavour, aroma, and overall drinking experience. This is especially true for stouts, which rely on a careful balance of roasted malts, residual sweetness, and subtle bitterness. Poor storage, such as exposure to heat, light, or oxygen, can quickly degrade these characteristics, leading to stale flavours, muted aromas, or harsh, unintended notes.”
He pointed out that “as beer is perishable, maintaining its quality is paramount. Even the most carefully brewed stout can be undermined if it is mishandled after packaging. Temperature stability, proper cellaring, and respect for shelf life are critical to ensuring the beer reaches the consumer as the brewer intended”. As such, Brazier highlighted that “protecting beer quality isn’t just about preservation. It’s about honouring the craftsmanship behind it and delivering a consistent, high-quality experience in every pour”.
Chapman told db: “For this style, a smooth, well-served pint matters more than the name on the tap. If pubs pour quality alternatives properly, most drinkers are perfectly happy to switch.”
The full list of top 10 highest-rated stouts can be seen below:
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Rank: 1
Beer: Irish Whiskey Barrel Aged Stout (Hinch Distillery)
Brewery: Whitewater
Brewery location: Northern Ireland
Untappd rating: 3.98
Rank: 2
Beer: Dry Stout Columbus Mosaic
Brewery: The Kernel Brewery
Brewery location: England
Untappd rating: 3.9
Rank: 3
Beer: Dry Stout Simcoe Ella
Brewery: The Kernel Brewery
Brewery location: England
Untappd rating: 3.87
Rank: 4
Beer: Dry Stout Ella
Brewery: The Kernel Brewery
Brewery location: England
Untappd rating: 3.85
Rank: 5
Beer: Dry Stout Citra Centennial
Brewery: The Kernel Brewery
Brewery location: England
Untappd rating: 3.84
Rank: 6
Beer: Dry Stout Simcoe Mosaic
Brewery: The Kernel Brewery
Brewery location: England
Untappd rating: 3.84
Rank: 7
Beer: Dry Stout Chinook Ella
Brewery: The Kernel Brewery
Brewery location: England
Untappd rating: 3.84
Rank: 8
Beer: Dry Stout Vic Secret
Brewery: The Kernel Brewery
Brewery location: England
Untappd rating: 3.83
Rank: 9
Beer: Dry Stout Summit
Brewery: The Kernel Brewery
Brewery location: England
Untappd rating: 3.83
Rank: 10
Beer: Morrisman
Brewery: Elusive Brewing
Brewery location: England
Untappd rating: 3.82
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