INEVITABLY, MURPHY’S WILL NEVER BE described solely on its own terms, but always as the also-ran to Guinness as the Emerald Isle’s dry stout ambassador. And to its credit, Murphy’s does possess less of that burnt aftertaste than Guinness and isn’t quite so dry, but not too much else steps up to the plate. Fairly light in body despite its substantial calorie count, black malts don’t impart overmuch character beyond maybe a bit of funk, oddly enough. Head is winsome, of course, but doesn’t cream quite so steadily as Guinness’s. Altogether a story of not-quites. Still extremely smooth, though, and that ain’t nothing.
Served: On tap (Lokal, Gothenburg)
Rating: 82
Constructive Consumption 