The Ultimate Guide: Understanding The Differences Between Guinness Original And Guinness 4

Bulletin 14 Jun 2024

What is the difference between Guinness Original and Guinness 4? Guinness Original and Guinness 4 are two of the most popular beers in the world, but what are the key differences between them?

Guinness Original is a traditional Irish stout that has been brewed since 1759. It is made with roasted barley, hops, and water, and has a distinctive dark color and creamy head. Guinness 4, on the other hand, is a newer beer that was introduced in 2014. It is made with the same ingredients as Guinness Original, but it has a lower alcohol content (4% ABV) and a lighter body.

The main difference between Guinness Original and Guinness 4 is their alcohol content. Guinness Original has an ABV of 4.2%, while Guinness 4 has an ABV of 4%. This difference in alcohol content affects the flavor and body of the beers. Guinness Original has a more robust flavor and a fuller body, while Guinness 4 is lighter and more refreshing.

Another difference between Guinness Original and Guinness 4 is their availability. Guinness Original is available in more countries than Guinness 4. Guinness 4 is currently only available in the United Kingdom, Ireland, and a few other select countries.

Difference Between Guinness Original and Guinness 4

Guinness Original and Guinness 4 are two of the most popular beers in the world, but what are the key differences between them? Here are six key aspects to consider:

Alcohol content: Guinness Original has an ABV of 4.2%, while Guinness 4 has an ABV of 4%.
Flavor: Guinness Original has a more robust flavor, while Guinness 4 is lighter and more refreshing.
Body: Guinness Original has a fuller body, while Guinness 4 is lighter and more sessionable.
Availability: Guinness Original is available in more countries than Guinness 4.
Price: Guinness Original is typically more expensive than Guinness 4.
Target audience: Guinness Original is targeted at traditional stout drinkers, while Guinness 4 is targeted at a wider audience, including those who are new to stouts.

Alcohol content

The alcohol content is one of the key differences between Guinness Original and Guinness 4. Guinness Original has an ABV of 4.2%, while Guinness 4 has an ABV of 4%. This difference in alcohol content affects the flavor, body, and overall drinkability of the two beers.

Guinness Original has a more robust flavor and a fuller body than Guinness 4. This is due to the higher alcohol content, which gives the beer more time to develop its flavors. Guinness 4, on the other hand, is lighter and more refreshing, with a lower alcohol content that makes it more sessionable.

The alcohol content of a beer is also important for determining its price. In general, beers with a higher alcohol content are more expensive than beers with a lower alcohol content. This is because the higher alcohol content requires more ingredients and a longer brewing process.

Flavor

The difference in flavor between Guinness Original and Guinness 4 is due to a number of factors, including the different ingredients used, the brewing process, and the alcohol content.

Ingredients: Guinness Original is made with roasted barley, hops, and water, while Guinness 4 is made with the same ingredients, plus a small amount of caramel malt. The caramel malt gives Guinness 4 a slightly sweeter flavor than Guinness Original.
Brewing process: Guinness Original is brewed using a traditional two-stage fermentation process, while Guinness 4 is brewed using a single-stage fermentation process. The two-stage fermentation process gives Guinness Original a more complex flavor than Guinness 4.
Alcohol content: Guinness Original has an ABV of 4.2%, while Guinness 4 has an ABV of 4%. The higher alcohol content of Guinness Original gives it a more robust flavor than Guinness 4.

Body

The body of a beer is a measure of its thickness and viscosity. Guinness Original has a fuller body than Guinness 4, which means that it is thicker and more viscous. This is due to the higher alcohol content and the use of roasted barley in Guinness Original.

The body of a beer has a significant impact on its flavor and drinkability. Beers with a fuller body tend to have a more robust flavor and a more creamy head. Guinness Original is a good example of this, as it has a rich, malty flavor and a creamy head that is characteristic of stouts.

Beers with a lighter body, such as Guinness 4, are more refreshing and easier to drink. They are also less filling, which makes them ideal for session drinking. Guinness 4 is a good example of a session beer, as it has a lighter body and a lower alcohol content than Guinness Original.

Availability

The availability of Guinness Original and Guinness 4 varies significantly around the world. Guinness Original is available in over 150 countries, while Guinness 4 is only available in a handful of countries, including the United Kingdom, Ireland, and a few other select markets.

Global Distribution: Guinness Original's widespread availability is due to its long history and popularity as a classic Irish stout. It is brewed in several countries around the world, including Ireland, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Canada.
Targeted Markets: Guinness 4, on the other hand, is a newer beer that was specifically developed for the UK and Irish markets. It is brewed in Dublin, Ireland, and is not currently exported to other countries.
Consumer Preferences: The availability of Guinness Original and Guinness 4 in different countries also reflects the varying consumer preferences for different types of beer. Guinness Original is a traditional stout with a rich flavor and a creamy head, while Guinness 4 is a lighter, more refreshing beer with a lower alcohol content. Consumers in some countries may prefer the traditional flavor of Guinness Original, while consumers in other countries may prefer the lighter, more sessionable nature of Guinness 4.
Import Restrictions: In some cases, the availability of Guinness Original and Guinness 4 in certain countries may be restricted due to import regulations or tariffs. These restrictions can make it difficult for consumers in those countries to access these beers.

Ultimately, the availability of Guinness Original and Guinness 4 in different countries is a complex issue that is influenced by a variety of factors, including historical, cultural, and economic considerations.

Price

The difference in price between Guinness Original and Guinness 4 is due to a number of factors, including the different ingredients used, the brewing process, and the alcohol content.

Ingredients: Guinness Original is made with roasted barley, hops, and water, while Guinness 4 is made with the same ingredients, plus a small amount of caramel malt. The caramel malt gives Guinness 4 a slightly sweeter flavor, which requires additional ingredients and a more complex brewing process.
Brewing process: Guinness Original is brewed using a traditional two-stage fermentation process, while Guinness 4 is brewed using a single-stage fermentation process. The two-stage fermentation process gives Guinness Original a more complex flavor, which requires more time and resources.
Alcohol content: Guinness Original has an ABV of 4.2%, while Guinness 4 has an ABV of 4%. The higher alcohol content of Guinness Original requires more ingredients and a longer brewing process, which increases the cost of production.

Ultimately, the price difference between Guinness Original and Guinness 4 reflects the different ingredients, brewing process, and alcohol content of the two beers. Guinness Original is a more complex and flavorful beer, which requires more time and resources to produce, while Guinness 4 is a lighter and more refreshing beer, which is less expensive to produce.

The price difference between Guinness Original and Guinness 4 is also important for consumers to consider when making a purchasing decision. Guinness Original is a premium beer that is typically more expensive than other stouts, while Guinness 4 is a more affordable option that is still a high-quality beer.

Target audience

The target audience for Guinness Original and Guinness 4 is an important factor to consider when comparing the two beers. Guinness Original is targeted at traditional stout drinkers, while Guinness 4 is targeted at a wider audience, including those who are new to stouts.

Traditional Stout Drinkers: Guinness Original is a traditional stout that has been brewed since 1759. It is made with roasted barley, hops, and water, and has a distinctive dark color and creamy head. Traditional stout drinkers are typically those who enjoy the rich, full flavor of stouts and are familiar with the style.
New Stout Drinkers: Guinness 4 is a newer beer that was introduced in 2014. It is made with the same ingredients as Guinness Original, but it has a lower alcohol content (4% ABV) and a lighter body. New stout drinkers are typically those who are new to the style of stout and may be looking for a beer that is less heavy and more refreshing.

The difference in target audience between Guinness Original and Guinness 4 is reflected in the different flavors and strengths of the two beers. Guinness Original is a more traditional stout with a rich, full flavor, while Guinness 4 is a lighter, more refreshing beer that is more approachable for new stout drinkers.

FAQs about the Difference Between Guinness Original and Guinness 4

Here are some frequently asked questions about the difference between Guinness Original and Guinness 4, along with their answers:

Question 1: What is the main difference between Guinness Original and Guinness 4?

The main difference between Guinness Original and Guinness 4 is their alcohol content. Guinness Original has an ABV of 4.2%, while Guinness 4 has an ABV of 4%.

Question 2: Which beer has a more robust flavor, Guinness Original or Guinness 4?

Guinness Original has a more robust flavor than Guinness 4. This is due to the higher alcohol content, which gives the beer more time to develop its flavors.

Question 3: Which beer has a fuller body, Guinness Original or Guinness 4?

Guinness Original has a fuller body than Guinness 4. This is due to the higher alcohol content and the use of roasted barley in Guinness Original.

Question 4: Which beer is more widely available, Guinness Original or Guinness 4?

Guinness Original is more widely available than Guinness 4. Guinness Original is available in over 150 countries, while Guinness 4 is only available in a handful of countries.

Question 5: Which beer is typically more expensive, Guinness Original or Guinness 4?

Guinness Original is typically more expensive than Guinness 4. This is due to the different ingredients, brewing process, and alcohol content of the two beers.

Question 6: Which beer is targeted at traditional stout drinkers, Guinness Original or Guinness 4?

Guinness Original is targeted at traditional stout drinkers, while Guinness 4 is targeted at a wider audience, including those who are new to stouts.

These are just a few of the frequently asked questions about the difference between Guinness Original and Guinness 4. If you have any other questions, please feel free to leave a comment below.

Continue reading to learn more about the history, brewing process, and flavor profile of Guinness Original and Guinness 4.

Conclusion

In this article, we have explored the difference between Guinness Original and Guinness 4. We have discussed the different ingredients, brewing process, flavor, body, availability, price, and target audience of the two beers. We have also answered some frequently asked questions about the two beers.

Ultimately, the best way to decide which beer is right for you is to try them both and see which one you prefer. Guinness Original is a classic stout with a rich flavor and a creamy head, while Guinness 4 is a lighter, more refreshing beer with a lower alcohol content. Whether you are a traditional stout drinker or a new stout drinker, there is a Guinness beer that is perfect for you.

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