economy

January 11, 2026

Cream of the crop: small brewers take on Guinness with rival ‘nitro’ stouts

Independents muscle in on craze for the black stuff with dark beers that use same nitrogen process as Irish favourite

Cream of the crop: small brewers take on Guinness with rival ‘nitro’ stouts

TL;DR

  • Guinness has seen a significant increase in popularity and market share, becoming a staple among younger drinkers.
  • Independent brewers are producing their own "nitro" stouts, offering alternatives with unique flavor profiles.
  • Companies like Anspach & Hobday are focusing on local heritage and distinct recipes, rather than directly imitating Guinness.
  • The nitro stout category is growing, with a majority of independent brewers now producing stouts or porters.
  • While Guinness dominates the market, independent brewers are finding success by offering diverse options to consumers.

Continue reading the original article