A pint guide from Invergordon Bar’s Guinness corner.

Guinness Draught is a dark stout; Kilkenny is a red ale. Both have a creamy texture, but Guinness leans towards roasted flavours while Kilkenny puts malt sweetness more to the fore. Choose by flavour rather than the colour of the pint.

We pour both at Invergordon Bar in Docklands. If you are looking at the taps wondering which one suits you, the useful question is not “which is best?” It is “what do I want this pint to taste like?”

Guinness and Kilkenny at a glance

In the glass	Guinness Draught	Kilkenny
Style	Irish stout	Irish red ale
Appearance	Very dark ruby, with a pale creamy head	Red to amber, with a pale creamy head
Flavour direction	Roasted notes with coffee and chocolate associations	Malt sweetness, gentle bitterness and some roasted character
Texture	Smooth and creamy	Smooth and creamy
A useful starting point	You enjoy a roast-led flavour	You prefer a malt-led ale

The flavour descriptions above draw on Guinness’s own Draught guide and Heineken Malaysia’s Kilkenny brand guide. They describe the beers’ general character; overseas specifications are not used here to quote Australian alcohol strength.

Which should you order first?

Our suggestion: choose Guinness if the roasted side appeals; choose Kilkenny if you want the malt to lead. Neither choice requires you to become a beer expert. Tell us what you normally order and what you feel like trying.

If your usual pint is a crisp lager, do not assume either of these will taste like one simply because it is served cold. You are moving into a different flavour and texture. If that is not what you fancy today, Tennent’s Lager is there for a reason.

Already an ale drinker? Our McEwan’s Export guide gives you another Scottish option to read about. There is room for more than one favourite on a bar this size.

Why are both pints creamy?

Nitrogen is part of the story. It contributes to the distinctive smooth texture associated with these draught beers. Kilkenny’s brand guide specifically describes its nitrogenation, while Guinness lists nitrogen in its Draught ingredients.

The word “creamy” describes the drinking experience. It does not mean these two beers have the same recipe or flavour. Our Kilkenny page explains the ale, and our Guinness page covers the stout.

Why does a Guinness take a moment?

Guinness specifies a two-part pub pour, with time for the first pour to settle before the glass is topped up. That short pause is part of the service, not a sign your drink has been forgotten. The official Draught guide shows the process.

If you are ordering for several people, mention the Guinness when you place the order. Then leave room at the bar while the drinks are being prepared. A little patience gives everyone an easier time.

Plan your pint in Docklands

Invergordon is a Scottish pub with British and Irish favourites on tap. The setting matters to us: no televisions, a place to talk, and a pint you can take your time over. You can read what makes the bar Scottish without needing to pick a side between the Irish taps.

Check the current drinks menu for prices. Happy Hour is 4–6pm daily, with a different special across the week. Monday is Guinness day. See the full Happy Hour rotation before you choose when to visit; it is not a blanket discount on every tap.

Before you order

Decide whether roasted or malt-led flavours sound better today.
Ask about the current pour if alcohol strength matters to your choice; colour is not a measure of strength.
Check the menu for the current price.
If you are coming for Happy Hour, check that day’s featured beer.

Frequently asked questions

Is Kilkenny a stout?

No. Kilkenny is a red ale. Its creamy head can look familiar to Guinness drinkers, but it is a different beer style.

Is Guinness stronger because it is darker?

Dark colour does not tell you alcohol strength. Check the current product information or ask at the bar rather than judging by appearance.

Can I get both on tap in Docklands?

Yes. Guinness and Kilkenny are both part of Invergordon Bar’s tap line-up at 381 Docklands Drive. Check with us if you are making a special trip for a particular beer.

Do you show Irish or Scottish sport?

No. We do not have televisions. We are a place to meet for a conversation; if you are heading to a match nearby, see our guide to drinks near Marvel Stadium.