A Guinness with pumpkin and spices? In Dublin, the famous Irish brand is taking an unexpectedly autumnal turn. At the Guinness Open Gate Brewery, three seasonal creations are making their debut: a Pumpkin Spice Red Ale, a Pecan Pie Brown Ale and a Brett Stout. A reminder that, behind the iconic black pint, Guinness brewers also enjoy experimenting.
A pumpkin spice-style beer: autumn arrives at Guinness
A warm way to celebrate Halloween!
The name brings to mind spiced coffees and autumn desserts rather than Irish pub bars. Yet the Pumpkin Spice Red Ale is indeed among the seasonal beers announced by Dublin’s Guinness Open Gate Brewery. In its public presentation, the brewery does not set out the full recipe or specific ingredients, so it is impossible to say whether it contains pumpkin or describe its taste as though we had sampled it.
Another curiosity is the Pecan Pie Brown Ale, whose name refers to pecan pie, a popular dessert across the Atlantic. Once again, the name sets the tone, but the brewery does not publish detailed tasting notes on its page dedicated to autumn releases.
The third creation, the Brett Stout, takes a different approach. Guinness says it is fermented with wild yeasts, giving it a character it describes as ‘funky’ and rustic, recalling certain farmhouse ales. It is a proposition that clearly departs from the image of a classic stout.
No, traditional Guinness is not changing its recipe
To avoid any misunderstanding: this is not a new recipe for Guinness Draught served in pubs everywhere. These three beers are part of the autumn selection at the Guinness Open Gate Brewery, the brand’s experimental venue in Dublin’s Liberties district.
Here, the company produces original brews and limited editions alongside its famous stout. The selection changes regularly, so a beer announced for autumn will not necessarily be available all year round, or in supermarkets and pubs across the country.
A brewery that has even dared to make beer… with snails
Pumpkin spice is, ultimately, just the latest chapter in a long history of experimentation. On its official website, Open Gate Brewery says it has developed some 400 original recipes over ten years. Among its past creations, it mentions a drink combining watermelon wine and lager, as well as a beer called Escar-gose, made with real snails. Yes, snails.
The venue also revisits Guinness’s brewing history, notably by recreating recipes inspired by the 18th century. The aim is not to replace the black pint, but to reveal another side of the brand: more experimental and, at times, decidedly offbeat.
Where can you discover these unusual beers in Dublin?
The Guinness Open Gate Brewery Dublin is located at 53 James’s Street, Dublin 8, close to the Guinness Storehouse. It is an experimental brewery with a bar rather than a conventional guided tour of the facilities: visitors come in particular to discover the brewing creations on offer.
Enthusiasts can opt for a tasting board called the Open Gate Paddle, which allows them to sample several beers from the current selection. Recipes change with the seasons, so it is best to check the menu and availability before making the trip. The venue is restricted to those aged 18 and over.
To plan a visit, see the latest releases announced by the Guinness Open Gate Brewery and its official website.
Source: information published on the official Guinness Open Gate Brewery Dublin website, consulted on 22 September 2026. The precise launch date of each beer and its individual availability are not specified.
