Review: Murphy's

Murphy's stout (4% AC)
Murphy Heineken Brewery Ireland Ltd.
9 out of 10



Murphy's is the lightest and sweetest of the major three Irish dry stouts--Guinness, Murphy's and Beamish.

Brewed since 1856 by Lady's Well Brewery (now Murphy Heineken Brewery Ireland Ltd.), this stout gives Guinness--the king of the stout market--a run for its money in terms of quality.

Murphy's pours much like any other Irish dry nitro-pumped stout: black liquid that squanders any hope of light passing through and a creamy, white head of foam. Put a pint of Murphy's next to a pint of Guinness and try to guess the two. I say it's impossible.

Likewise, the smell of Murphy's resembles that of Guinness. A concerted effort to find a difference turns up a slightly more distinct presence of caramel in Murphy's.

Murphy's taste ultimately sets it apart from other Irish dry stouts. It's as smooth, light and creamy as any beer a consumer can find. Midway through the swallow, Murphy's sweet caramel flavor comes to life. The brew finishes as dry and clean as any beer on the market. No hint of aftertaste or lingering alcohol stays on the tongue.

The texture of Murphy's resembles milk. No sign of carbonation ever appears. The brew remains cool and calm on the palate. Few beers are as easy to drink as Murphy's.


Murphy's must be consumed using a nitrogen-pumped tap. Cans and bottles can't do justice to the simple pleasure of a dry Irish.