Murphys
Murphy's Irish Stout is a dry stout brewed in County Cork according to the original recipe by Murphy's Brewery since 1856.
1856 Murphy's was brewed in Murphy's Brewery for the first time.
In comparison to its more bitter and heavier chief competitors, Guinness and Beamish, Murphy's is a lighter and sweeter dry stout. Its flavour is evocative of caramel and malt, and is described as "a distant relative of chocolate milk". The resemblance to milk extends beyond flavour to texture; Murphy's is free from any hint of carbonation, and is delivered "black as strong cappuccino" with an inch of foam – "the head" – on top. The head, in particular, is lauded for its remarkably thick and creamy nature and its "spoonable" density.
After years as a mostly local beer, the acquisition of the brewery by Heineken - with a consequent expansion in distribution - exposed Murphy's to the international drinking community. As the fastest growing stout in the world, Murphy's is now available in 70 countries worldwide. Critical reception of the beverage outside its native land has been generally positive. Commentators have noted the more intense, darker and heartier flavoured nature of Murphy's as a significant distinction over American beers.
2003 Murphy's was brewed in the UK for the first time.