How many calories are in a Guinness Extra Stout 11.2 oz?

Guinness Extra Stout is a classic Irish dry stout that has been brewed by the Guinness brewery since 1821. With its dark color, creamy mouthfeel, and roasted coffee flavors, it’s a popular choice among stout beer drinkers. But like all beers, Guinness Extra Stout does contain calories and alcohol, so it’s important to enjoy it in moderation.

Quick Answer

A 11.2 oz (330 ml) serving of Guinness Extra Stout contains 125 calories, 10 grams of carbohydrates, 10 grams of alcohol, and 0 grams of fat or protein.

Detailed Nutrition Information

Here is the full nutrition breakdown for a 11.2 oz serving of Guinness Extra Stout:

Nutrient Amount
Calories 125
Carbohydrates 10 g
Protein 0 g
Fat 0 g
Alcohol 10 g

As you can see, the majority of calories in Guinness come from the alcohol (10 grams worth) and carbohydrates. It contains no fat or protein.

Calorie Comparison to Other Beers

Compared to other popular beer styles, Guinness Extra Stout is moderate in calories:

  • Regular lager: Around 140 calories per 12 oz
  • Light beer: Around 100 calories per 12 oz
  • IPA: 150-200 calories per 12 oz
  • Guinness Extra Stout: 125 calories per 11.2 oz

So Guinness lands right in the middle- not as light as a low-calorie lager, but not as heavy as a high-gravity IPA. For many people, the moderate calories and rich, roasted flavor make it a balanced choice.

Tips for Enjoying Guinness Extra Stout While Managing Calories

Here are some tips to keep in mind if you want to enjoy Guinness Extra Stout as part of a balanced diet:

  • Stick to one pint or less per day. Nursing your Guinness slowly allows you to savor the flavor.
  • Pair it with lower-calorie foods like fresh seafood, grilled chicken, or a leafy salad.
  • Switch to low-calorie mixers like seltzer or diet soda if making a Guinness cocktail.
  • Balance it out with more physical activity to account for the 125 calories per pint.
  • Savor it slowly and mindfully to keep portions moderate and avoid overconsumption.

The Origins of Guinness Extra Stout

Guinness Extra Stout originated within the walls of the legendary Guinness brewery at St. James’s Gate in Dublin, Ireland. Here’s a brief history of how this iconic beer came to be:

  • 1759 – Arthur Guinness starts brewing ales and porters at St. James’s Gate
  • 1821 – Guinness begins brewing a stronger “Extra Superior Porter”
  • 1840s – The name evolves into “Extra Stout”
  • 1959 – Bottled Guinness Extra Stout is exported around the world
  • Today – Guinness Extra Stout is still brewed in Dublin for enjoyment worldwide

So while the labeling has changed over the centuries, the core recipe and commitment to quality remain the same. Guinness Extra Stout is as legendary today as when it was first crafted.

The Brewing Process Behind Guinness Extra Stout

Guinness stouts derive their dark color, creamy texture, and roasty flavor from specific ingredients and brewing techniques:

  • Roasted barley – Unmalted, roasted barley imparts bitterness and burnt, coffee-like notes.
  • Flaked barley – Adds body and a smooth, creamy mouthfeel.
  • Hops – Bramling Cross and Challenger varietals add balancing bitterness.
  • Yeast – A top-fermenting yeast creates fruity esters and complex flavor.
  • Cold conditioning – Stored for weeks at cold temperatures to carbonate and age.

Master brewers carefully control the brewing process to create the perfect balance of flavors and textures. Small batch fermentation and patience lead to optimal flavor in every pint.

The Rich, Roasty Flavor Profile

When poured into a branded pint glass, Guinness Extra Stout presents as nearly black in color with a creamy tan head. The first sip reveals these layers of flavor:

  • Roasted barley – Notes of coffee, cocoa, and burnt grain.
  • Malt – Sweet, biscuity flavors from the barley malt.
  • Hops – Bitter, herbal hints that balance the sweetness.
  • Yeast – Fruity esters and a slightly sour tang.
  • Smooth texture – Creamy and full from the use of flaked barley.

The interplay between bitter, sweet, roasty, and fruity creates an incredibly nuanced pint that keeps drinkers coming back for more. It’s easy to see why it’s one of the world’s most legendary and iconic beer styles.

Pairing Guinness Extra Stout with Food

The flavors of Guinness Extra Stout make it a versatile beer to pair with all kinds of meals and flavors. Here are some delicious food pairing suggestions:

  • Oysters – The roasty dryness cuts through the brine beautifully.
  • Irish stew – Malty sweetness stands up to lamb and vegetables.
  • Pot roast – Bitterness and roastiness works with savory, tender beef.
  • Chocolate desserts – Roasty flavors complement the cocoa.
  • Cured meats – Pork, charcuterie and salty flavors are enhanced.
  • Aged cheddar – Nutty, sharp cheese balanced by the beer.

From rich entrees to desserts, the complexity of Guinness Extra Stout allows it to pair well with all types of cuisines and flavors.

Potential Health Benefits

While alcohol should be enjoyed in moderation, Guinness Extra Stout does contain ingredients that may offer some health benefits:

  • Antioxidants – From the roasted barley and hops.
  • B vitamins – Including riboflavin, niacin, pantothenic acid.
  • Minerals – Like magnesium, phosphorus and selenium.
  • Prebiotics – May promote gut health via fiber.

Compounds like polyphenols from hops and barley may help reduce inflammation when consumed in moderation. Of course, any potential benefits must be weighed against the risks of excessive alcohol intake.

Potential Downsides and Risks

Despite some positive components, there are also potential downsides to drinking Guinness Extra Stout to consider:

  • Alcohol can impair coordination, judgment and motor skills.
  • High caloric intake may contribute to weight gain.
  • May exacerbate symptoms for those with gout or acid reflux.
  • Potential for alcohol abuse and dependency.
  • Not recommended for those who avoid gluten.

Pregnant women, those with certain medical conditions, people taking medications that interact with alcohol, and those with a history of substance abuse should avoid Guinness.

Moderation is Key

At 125 calories per 11.2 oz serving, enjoying the flavors of Guinness Extra Stout can absolutely be part of a balanced diet when consumed mindfully. The key is moderation – limiting intake to 1 pint or less per day and balancing it out with healthy eating and exercise.

For those who love its bold, roasty taste but want to limit alcohol and calories, brewers today offer many craft non-alcoholic stouts. While these may lack some complexity, they allow you to enjoy rich roasted barley flavors guilt-free.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Guinness Extra Stout contain more calories than Guinness Draught?

No, Guinness Draught actually contains slightly more calories at 153 per 12 oz serving compared to 125 calories in 11.2 oz of Guinness Extra Stout.

Is Guinness Extra Stout considered strong?

At 5.6% alcohol by volume, Guinness Extra Stout is moderately strong but lower in alcohol than many craft beers today which can range from 7-12% ABV. It’s stronger than typical 4-5% lagers but not as strong as high gravity Belgian ales or barrel-aged stouts.

Is Guinness good for you?

In moderation, Guinness provides some B vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants from ingredients like barley and hops. But the calories, carbs, gluten, and alcohol content may outweigh any potential benefits, so enjoy Guinness sensibly as part of an overall healthy lifestyle.

Does Guinness make you gain weight?

Guinness by itself does not directly cause weight gain, but its 125 calories per pint can contribute to excess caloric intake which leads to weight gain over time if consumption exceeds your energy needs. Moderation is key.

Is Guinness Extra Stout the same as Guinness Draught?

No, Guinness Draught and Guinness Extra Stout are two different beers. Draught has a strength of 4.2% ABV and is served via nitro kegs to create a creamy texture. Extra Stout is 5.6% ABV, richer and more roasty in flavor, and served without nitrogenation.

Is Guinness a lager or ale?

Guinness is ale. Ales are brewed with top-fermenting yeast and fermented at warmer temperatures than lagers. This creates fruity esters and a complex flavor profile evident in Guinness.

What’s the difference between stout and porter?

Stouts like Guinness are typically darker, roastier, and higher in alcohol than porters. But they share common origins and flavors like chocolate, coffee and burnt grains from the use of black and chocolate malts.

Conclusion

When enjoyed responsibly as part of an overall balanced lifestyle, Guinness Extra Stout can add flavor and enjoyment to your diet. Its moderate 125 calories per 11.2 oz pint provide a perfect portion for savoring its legendary roasty, bittersweet character. So pick up some oysters or Irish cheddar, and savor a pint of this iconic brew in good health!

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