What are some ales that are similar to Guinness Stout that are sold here in America?

[Bernie Dorman]

I know that a nice pint or two of Guinness can make me turn from blah to smiley pretty fast, but I would like to try a few other brews that are similar in flavor, but also vary in color, sweetness and foam content. So as a new aleologist, help me out!

Let me know which brews I should be testing out.

[Shawn, the Beer Philosopher]

Thanks for the post, Bernie. Wow, there are many choices for you. If you stick with the dry Irish stout style - which Guinness is - you might look at some beers like O'Hara's Celtic or Celebration stout, North Coast Old #38, Lakefront Snake Chaser or Schlafly Export Irish Stout.

As far as other stout styles, you can certainly find quite a variation, but you're likely to venture outside the dry Irish stout style parameters. For instance, a dry Irish stout should not have any real discernable residual sweetness or it's not likely a dry Irish stout, by virtue of that fact. If you're looking for something a little different, and a little less dry, try a good sweet (or milk) stout. I recommend Left Hand Milk Stout or Duck-Rabbit Milk stout.

Then there are oatmeal stouts, "Foreign Extras" and Imperial stout styles ... happy drinking!

[Ray Grace]

If it's available in your area, I really enjoy Moylan's Dragoon's Dry Irish Stout. I also enjoy Green Flash's Stout, although that's kinda pushing towards an Imperial Stout.

[Bernie Dorman]

Shawn, you have gotten my tastebuds shouting to go check out the local Octoberfests, to see if any of them have some stouts for me to give them!

Thanks, my friend!

Ray, I will start asking my local pubmeisters for it, and see if they can help me get some!