Why Guinness Extra Stout tastes so good with oysters

If you've never tried Guinness Extra Stout and oysters, you're missing out! Here's why this classic pair works so very well.

While it may sound like champagne is the ideal beverage to pair with oysters, we want to make a case for a beverage that's as different from champagne as can be: Guinness Extra Stout.

When it comes to classic food and drink combinations, few can rival the exquisite harmony found in the pairing of Guinness stout and oysters. This iconic duo has delighted taste buds and captivated the hearts of food enthusiasts around the world. In this article, we will explore the intriguing reasons why Guinness and oysters go so well together, transcending mere gastronomy to create an unparalleled sensory experience.

A direct descendant of Guinness' archival recipes, Guinness Extra Stout is based on a beer first brewed in 1821 when Arthur Guinness II gave instructions for brewing his Superior Porter.

Brewed at the St. James’s Gate brewery in Dublin, Guinness Extra Stout is crafted from the finest quality malt, hops, and Irish barley. Sharp and crisp to the taste, it’s a different experience from the smooth, creamy Guinness Draught and punchier Foreign Extra Stout, but those trademark Guinness flavors preside.

And that's what makes it the ideal oyster companion. The beer's rich, creamy head and crisp taste complement the saltiness of the oysters and draw out their more complex tastes. 

This combination of stout and oysters was a popular food staple, back when oysters were more widely accessible to working-class families in Ireland and beyond.

While America has forgotten about this classic combo in recent years, it still remains a popular option in Ireland.

What other foods pair well with Guinness? Check out our favorite suggestions in the video below.

* Originally published in April 2019. Last updated in June 2023.