Baking with Guinness

[eatrustic]

I was just settling down to try a couple of cake recipes using Guinness when I noticed that they specifically call for the Guinness Porter and not the Guinness Draft.

Guess which one I have on hand?

Anyone know what the difference is? Too weak? Or does the added carbonation cause a problem? If so I could just heat the draft until it went flat.

I'm not even sure if my local liquor store carries the Porter and although it might be appropriate today I can't see myself running out of a pub with a pint in my hand!

[eje]

I'm not even sure if my local liquor store carries the Porter and although it might be appropriate today I can't see myself running out of a pub with a pint in my hand!

←

As far as I know, Guinness no longer makes a porter.

From the Guinness wikipedia entry, "Guinness started brewing porters and ales, initially in Leixlip, but at the St. James's Gate Brewery, Dublin, Ireland since 1759, when Arthur Guinness signed a 9,000 year lease at £45 per annum for the unused brewery. Ten years later in 1769 Guinness exported their product for the first time, when six and a half barrels were shipped to England. Guinness brewed their last porter in 1974."

edit - added wikipedia info.

Edited March 17, 2006 by eje (log)

[Mayhaw Man]

I'm not even sure if my local liquor store carries the Porter and although it might be appropriate today I can't see myself running out of a pub with a pint in my hand!

←

As far as I know, Guinness no longer makes a porter.

←

Actually, Guinness is, traditionally, if not in actuality, a porter in style. I am sure that tons of people are going to jump in and argue that it's a stout (but I believe that stout is a more accurate definition, in the world of beer tasting, but it is, broadly, still a porter-malt flavor being in the forefront, as opposed to hopping-dark roasted malt being the primary characteristic in Guinness), but a porter is a dark, low alcohol, beer that was consumed by "porters" and other working folk as a healthful beverage during the workday back when people drank during the workday-not that they still don't, but you don't often see the fork lift drivers heading down to the pub for a quick pub lunch and a pint anymore.

Damned shame that.

Oh yeah, use the Guinness. It's good for you.

[eatrustic]

oopps! I meant Stout not Porter, but they specifically state not draught. If I thought it was a case of the draft being just a bit weaker I'd still try but otherwise I'll see if I can track down some Stout.

[Corinna Dunne]

I'd imagine that you'll be fine with Guinness draught, and as you suggested, just leave it to go flat (although I wouldn't heat it, as a warm liquid may affect your recipe). Bottled is probably specified because the draught product would be difficult to work with (because of the head). I wouldn't worry too much about the gravity of the product, as bottled Guinness can vary in alcohol levels depending on its market. So too can the taste. particularly in relation to the amount of hops used. Go for it!

[jackal10]

Problem with the draft is that it gets drunk so you have none to add to the cooking. If its in a bottle or can it is less prone to premature degustation...

Edited March 17, 2006 by jackal10 (log)

[SweetSide]

Problem with the draft is that it gets drunk so you have none to add to the cooking. If its in a bottle or can it is less prone to premature degustation...

←

That's exactly why Guinness Draught comes in 6 packs now. At least there's an 18% chance that a bottle will make its way to the batter....

[lostmyshape]

well... i couldn't see the difference as far as functioning in the recipe... i mean beer is beer and the draft/stout are about the same amount of alcohol (although the draft is nitrogenated). BUT, i think they taste significantly different. the draft lacks the bitter coffee notes of the extra stout. the draft is a little less flavorful, plus the sweetness comes out more.

both should work fine, but the end result will probably taste different.

[eatrustic]

Thanks, I have to run a couple of errands so if I can find the Stout I"ll pick some up otherwise I"ll go with my draught.

Of course if the Stout ends up being bottled here in North America I may well be better off with the draught.