Guinness Beer Preservatives In Ny: What's The Deal?

Guinness beer is an iconic Irish stout with a rich history and a distinctive flavour. But are there preservatives in the beer served in New York?

Guinness is brewed with roasted barley, malted barley, hops, yeast, and water. Hops are a natural preservative, so Guinness does not need to add any extra preservatives. In fact, Guinness is one of the healthiest beers on the market, with a high fibre content and beneficial antioxidant compounds.

So, if you're looking for a classic beer with a rich history, distinctive flavour, natural preservatives, and low alcohol content, Guinness is a great choice. And if you're in New York, you can enjoy a perfectly poured pint at one of the city's many pubs and bars.

The ingredients in Guinness

Guinness is a stout, a category of beer known for its rich dark colour and distinctive creamy head. The creamy head is created by the mixing of the beer with nitrogen and carbon dioxide.

In addition to the key ingredients, Guinness also contains antioxidant compounds, which can have a positive impact on heart health.

Guinness has a long history of brewing, with the first Guinness beers using the term "stout" being the Single Stout and Double Stout in the 1840s. Today, Guinness is available in various variants and strengths worldwide and is one of the most successful alcohol brands.

The history of Guinness

In the 1800s, Guinness beer became increasingly successful, and the St. James's Gate Brewery expanded. By 1838, it was Ireland's largest brewery, and by 1886, it was the world's largest, producing 1.2 million barrels of beer annually. During this period, Guinness also began using the harp as its logo, which later became the official emblem of Ireland.

The Guinness business remained a family enterprise for five generations, with Arthur Guinness II and Benjamin Lee Guinness taking over from Arthur Guinness, and the former's son, Edward Cecil Guinness, becoming chairman in 1901. In 1927, Edward's son, Rupert Guinness, became the new chairman and expanded the business internationally by building a brewery in London.

In the mid-20th century, Guinness began using nitrogen in its brewing process, which changed the texture and flavour of the beer, making it creamier and smoother. The company continued to innovate and expand, becoming an international brand. In 1997, Guinness Plc merged with Grand Metropolitan Plc to form Diageo Plc, a British multinational beverage company.

Today, Guinness is one of the most successful alcohol brands worldwide, brewed in almost 50 countries and available in over 120. It is known for its distinctive flavour and colour, derived from its porter-style roots and the use of roasted barley. The brand has a rich history and has become an iconic symbol of Ireland and its culture.

Where to find a good pint of Guinness in New York City

New York City is home to a plethora of Irish and Irish-inspired pubs, but where can you find a truly great pint of Guinness?

Swift Hibernian Lounge

Located on East 4th Street, this pub has been praised for its tap beer, with one reviewer claiming it serves one of the better pints of Guinness in the city. It also offers a range of Irish whiskeys, sliders, and various seating areas.

Paddy Reilly's Music Bar

This bar, found on 2nd Avenue, offers a Guinness pizza with caramelized onions and tater tots, as well as a happy hour special with $5 pints of Guinness. It's a great spot to enjoy a few drinks while listening to bluegrass music on Sundays and Mondays.

St. James Gate Publick House

If you're looking for a great Guinness pour, friendly bartenders, and delicious food, St. James Gate Publick House on Amsterdam Avenue is the place to go. They serve fantastic wings and curry fries, and their Guinness has been rated as one of the best in NYC.

The Long Hall Pub & Grocery

The Long Hall, located on East 34th Street, is a beloved Irish pub in New York. It offers an "immaculate" presentation of Guinness in a "raw and real" pub setting. The pub has also been praised for its friendly staff and decent meatloaf.

The Dead Rabbit

While The Dead Rabbit is known primarily as an award-winning cocktail bar, it also serves what has been called the "best pint of Guinness in Manhattan."

Other Notable Mentions:

• Slainte, Bowery: Owned by two guys from County Leitrim, this bar has received praise for its Guinness from the Village Voice.
• Rocky O'Sullivan's, Lexington Avenue: An Irish bar with good reviews.
• The Four-Faced Liar: Praised for its chill atmosphere and Guinness pour.
• Deacon Brodie's Tavern, Midtown West: May serve the best Guinness in NYC, according to one reviewer.
• Irish Haven, East Village: Known for its $3 Guinness pints on Thursdays and quality pool table.
• Wolfe Tones, 6th and Race Streets: This pub has been claimed to have the best pint of Guinness in NYC by one reviewer.
• Hartley's, Brooklyn: Feels like stepping into a local pub in rural Ireland.
• Mary O's, The Blasket, The Clonard, and 11th Street: Oozing with the community feel of many Irish bars.

The health benefits of Guinness

Guinness, the world-renowned stout beer, has long been associated with several health claims, including the famous slogan "Guinness is Good for You." While it may not be as nutritious as a vegetable, stouts like Guinness can boast some nutritional benefits. Here are some reasons why Guinness might be considered good for your health:

• Antioxidants: Guinness contains antioxidants, specifically flavonoids, which are linked to heart health. A 2003 study found that a pint of Guinness could reduce the risk of blood clots forming in the arteries, an effect not observed with other beers.
• Iron: Although the iron content in Guinness is low (0.3 mg per pint), it can still contribute to the recommended daily intake, especially for those who don't meet their daily requirements. In the past, Guinness was even given to post-operative patients, pregnant women, and blood donors to help replenish iron levels.
• Light Beer Alternative: Despite its dark color, Guinness has a similar calorie count to lighter beers like Bud Light. Its creamy texture, achieved through nitrogenation, can also make you feel fuller, potentially reducing your overall food intake.
• Bone Health: Beer contains phytoestrogen, a plant hormone that supports bone density, as well as calcium and dietary silicon, which are important for bone and connective tissue health. Moderate beer consumption has been linked to a lower risk of osteoporosis and hip fractures.
• Lower Alcohol Content: Guinness has a lower ABV (4.1% to 4.3%) compared to the average beer, which is typically around 5%. This makes it a relatively "lighter" option for those looking to be more responsible with their alcohol intake.
• Vitamins and Minerals: Guinness contains folate (a B vitamin necessary for DNA production), fiber, and ferulic acid, which is linked to improved immune function. The fiber in Guinness also provides additional health benefits, such as promoting healthy blood sugar and cholesterol levels.
• Anti-inflammatory Properties: The consumption of hops, an ingredient in beer, has been shown to interfere with inflammation-causing compounds. A fiber-rich diet, which Guinness can contribute to, also helps reduce inflammation in the body.
• Cholesterol Reduction: The soluble fiber in Guinness can help reduce LDL ("bad") cholesterol. This, along with its potential effects on blood sugar and cholesterol levels, contributes to overall heart health.
• Post-Workout Hydration: Surprisingly, one study showed that drinking a pint of beer after a workout could lead to better hydration compared to drinking water alone.

While Guinness and other beers may offer some health benefits, it's important to remember that excessive alcohol consumption can have negative effects on your health. Moderate consumption, as defined by dietary guidelines, is generally considered safe and may even provide some health benefits. However, heavy drinking and binge drinking are associated with various health problems, including liver disease, pancreatitis, and high blood pressure. Additionally, health organizations advise against consuming alcohol during pregnancy or while breastfeeding due to potential risks to the fetus and newborn.

Guinness cocktails and recipes

There are many cocktails and recipes that use Guinness as a key ingredient. Here are some examples:

Guinness Black Velvet

As the name suggests, this cocktail combines Guinness with champagne or sparkling wine. It's a great option for those who want to celebrate a special event but still crave the taste of a stout.

Guinness and Baileys Milkshake

This cocktail is perfect for warm summer days when you want something sweet yet creamy. It combines the smooth, creamy taste of Baileys with Guinness.

Black Magic Guinness Cocktail

Popular during St. Patrick's Day, this cocktail includes bourbon for oaky notes, lime juice for a citrusy touch, and blackberries for a tart finish. It's a well-loved drink that takes a bit more time to prepare, making it ideal for special events and holidays.

Guinness Whiskey Cocktail

This cocktail is a decadent treat, blending beer, Irish whiskey, and cream of coconut. The addition of angostura bitter and cinnamon syrup gives it extra warmth and sweetness, making it perfect for holiday events.

Guinness Punch

Guinness Punch is a refreshing and delicious cocktail that combines Guinness with sweet and floral ingredients like vanilla extract and ground nutmeg. The addition of condensed milk makes it not too sweet, perfect for an afternoon sip.

The Black Fog

A simple cocktail that pairs well with raspberry and chocolate desserts. It only requires two ingredients: Guinness and raspberry liqueur.

Irish Car Bomb

A well-known cocktail consisting of just three ingredients: Irish whiskey, Irish cream, and Guinness. The trick to perfecting this cocktail is slowly pouring the cream over the whiskey before dropping the combined shot into the pint of beer.

Guinness Bloody Mary

A unique twist on the classic Bloody Mary, this cocktail includes Guinness and vodka, creating a boozy and savory combination. It also features classic Bloody Mary ingredients like Worcestershire sauce, horseradish, and hot pepper sauce.

Other Ideas

Guinness can also be used in a variety of non-alcoholic drinks and desserts. For drinks, it can be mixed with champagne for a bubbly finish, rum for depth, or ginger beer for spice. For desserts, try a Guinness float with vanilla ice cream and chocolate sauce, or get creative with Guinness-infused brownies, ice cream, or milkshakes.

Frequently asked questions