Forged Irish Stout – Does It Strike Gold or Miss the Mark?

As a self-proclaimed stout enthusiast, my bar for a proper Irish pour is set pretty high. I’ve traveled through the dark, malty depths of countless Irish stouts, so when I picked up a Forged Irish Stout, my expectations were admittedly elevated. This isn't just any new brew; it’s the passion project of MMA legend Conor McGregor, born out of his world famous pub, The Black Forge Inn, in Dublin.   

Score: 6.7

Location: Dublin, Ireland

ABV: 4.2%

Built on the hype of being a premium contender designed to "take over" the market, I was ready to be impressed. Unfortunately, the experience didn't quite live up to the pedigree.

The First Impression (or Lack Thereof)

The ritual of the first pour is sacred for stout lovers. You’re looking for that iconic, thick, nitrogenous head that sits like a cloud atop the black liquid. Despite the can's "nitro widget" technology meant to create a creamy texture, I was immediately met with disappointment: next to no head. Without that creamy cap, the beer felt exposed, and the aroma was underwhelming, lacking those deep roasted coffee or chocolate notes that usually invite you in.

The Taste Test

If the look was a letdown, I hoped the flavor would redeem it. Sadly, the first sip only redoubled my doubts. While the brand promises a blend of chocolate and roasted malts, the profile felt mellow to a fault. Worse, it carried a lingering bitterness that felt "off" not the pleasant, roasted char of a good dry stout, but a slightly unpleasant edge that sat heavy on the palate.

The Verdict

To be fair, this isn't a "terrible" beer. If you compare it to the bottom-shelf, watery "cheap" brands, Forged definitely comes out on top. It has more substance than a budget brew, but when you're playing in the field of authentic Irish stouts, "better than the worst" isn't quite good enough.

Would I buy it again? In a word: No. While I’m glad I gave it a shot to satisfy my curiosity about McGregor's latest venture, this is one I won't be spending my money on again. For now, my search for the next great Irish stout continues.