In a surprising turn for the beer world, a London-based brewery is making waves by outperforming one of the most iconic brands in stout history. According to recent research by UK manufacturer Transam Extrusions, The Kernel Brewery in Bermondsey is producing some of the highest-rated stouts globally, giving Guinness a run for its money.
Stout Ratings Showcase London's Rise
The analysis, which draws on user ratings from the popular platform Untappd, indicates that The Kernel Brewery consistently scores above Guinness Draught. Guinness, long considered the benchmark for Irish-style dry stouts, currently holds a rating of 3.766 out of five. In contrast, multiple offerings from The Kernel exceed this figure, with several beers occupying the top spots in the rankings.
Top Performers from The Kernel
Leading the charge is Dry Stout Columbus Mosaic from The Kernel Brewery, which boasts a rating of 3.9 out of five. It is closely followed by other standout brews such as Dry Stout Simcoe Ella at 3.87 and Dry Stout Ella at 3.85. Further entries from the brewery, including Dry Stout Citra Centennial, Dry Stout Simcoe Mosaic, and Dry Stout Chinook Ella, all achieve impressive ratings of 3.84.
The dominance of The Kernel extends through the top ten positions. Beers like Dry Stout Vic Secret and Dry Stout Summit both score 3.83, while Dry Stout Wai-Iti Motueka is rated 3.82, tying with Morrisman from Berkshire-based Elusive Brewing. The only non-English beer in the top ten is Irish Whiskey Barrel Aged Stout from Northern Ireland's Whitewater Brewery, which tops the list with a remarkable rating of 3.98.
Widespread Presence in Rankings
Beyond the top ten, The Kernel's influence remains strong. Dry Stout Cashmere scores 3.81, and a cluster of four beers—Dry Stout Citra, Dry Stout Centennial Simcoe, Dry Stout Citra Cascade, and Dry Stout Chinook Columbus—each sit at 3.8. Additional notable entries include Dry Stout Motueka El Dorado and Dry Stout Centennial Mosaic at 3.79, Dry Stout Taiheke at 3.78, Dry Stout Nelson Sauvin at 3.77, and Dry Stout Simcoe at 3.75.
In total, The Kernel Brewery accounts for the majority of the highest-rated stouts in the dataset, appearing repeatedly across the top 26 positions. This highlights a significant shift in the landscape of dry stout production.
Geographical Shift in Stout Brewing
The research also underscores a dramatic geographical change in a beer style traditionally linked to Ireland. Of the 26 highest-rated dry stouts, the vast majority are brewed in England. Only one comes from Northern Ireland and just one from Scotland, specifically Gobhar Reamhar from Ardgour Ales, rated 3.79. Alongside The Kernel, other English producers featured in the rankings include Verdant Brewing Co, Barngates Brewery, and Electric Bear Brewing Co.
This trend suggests that London and other parts of England are emerging as key players in the stout market, challenging long-held perceptions and setting new standards for quality and innovation in brewing.
