Is Guinness a red beer?

Answered by Randy McIntyre

Guinness Draught beer, contrary to popular belief, is not actually a black beer but rather a dark ruby red in color. This distinctive color is achieved through a unique preparation process of the ingredients.

One of the key ingredients in Guinness Draught is barley, which goes through a roasting process similar to that of coffee beans. During roasting, some of the barley is heated to a high temperature, which leads to the development of complex flavors and the characteristic deep color of the beer.

The roasting of barley in Guinness Draught is carefully controlled to achieve the desired color profile. It is this roasted barley that imparts a rich, dark ruby red hue to the beer, giving it its unique appearance.

It is worth noting that the color of Guinness Draught can vary slightly depending on factors such as lighting conditions and the thickness of the glass. In dimly lit environments, the beer may appear closer to black, while in well-lit areas, its true red color becomes more apparent.

Personal experience-wise, I have had the opportunity to enjoy a pint of Guinness Draught on several occasions. I vividly remember being fascinated by its dark ruby red color when held up to the light. It was quite different from what I initially expected, as I had always assumed Guinness to be a black beer.

To summarize, Guinness Draught beer is not black, but rather a dark ruby red. This unique color is achieved through the roasting of barley during the brewing process. The result is a visually appealing beer with a distinct appearance that adds to its overall enjoyment.