Irish Beer: What's The Favorite Pint In Ireland?

Ireland is famous for its beer, with Guinness being the most popular beer in the country, making up over 25% of beer sales. However, there are many other beers that the Irish drink, including Harp Lager, Smithwick's Red Ale, Murphy's Stout, and Beamish Stout. The Irish also enjoy a variety of craft beers, such as McGargles Francis' Big Bangin' IPA, Rascals Brewing Company Happy Days Session Pale Ale, and Wicklow Wolf Elevation Pale Ale. So, while Guinness may be the most well-known Irish beer, there are plenty of other options to choose from when visiting Ireland.

Dry Stout is the national brew of Ireland

The Guinness Brewery celebrated its 250th anniversary in 2009. Guinness is not only the national drink of Ireland but is also brewed in over 40 countries worldwide. It is estimated that 10 million pints of Guinness Stout are consumed every day.

While Guinness may be good for you (according to a popular slogan), it is not necessarily better than the other Dry Stouts found in Ireland. Murphy's, established in 1792, and Beamish, established in 1883, are two examples of Dry Stouts that hail from County Cork and can accompany a meal of corned beef and cabbage just as well as Guinness.

The Irish pub culture plays a significant role in promoting and celebrating the country's brewing industry, with pubs often stocking local craft beers alongside popular stouts and lagers. When you say "a beer, please" in an Irish pub, you will typically be served a pint of Guinness. However, if you are looking for a lighter beer, Harp Lager is a good alternative, and Smithwick's (pronounced "Smitticks") is a nice ale that is much lighter in colour and flavour than Guinness.

If you are visiting Dublin, a trip to the Guinness Brewery is a must. Established in 1759, the Guinness St. James Gate Brewery produces the world's finest Dry Stout. At the Guinness Museum, you can learn about the history of brewing in Ireland, see beer advertising and brewing equipment, and even try your hand at pulling the perfect pint.

So, while Guinness may be the most well-known Irish beer globally, there are certainly other Dry Stouts and local craft beers worth trying when in Ireland.

Harp Lager is a classic lager

Harp Lager is a popular choice for those who want a lighter beer option in Ireland. It is often recommended to travellers who are looking for a more authentic drinking experience but do not want to drink heavy stouts or dark beers. Harp is a good alternative to American light beers like Miller Lite and Bud Light, which are also available in Irish pubs.

Harp Lager is also a good option for those who want to try a beer that is not as heavy or bitter as some of the more traditional Irish beers. It is a nice ale, lighter in colour and flavour than Guinness, but still more adventurous than some of the American light beers.

Harp is a great choice for those who want to enjoy a few drinks in an Irish pub without feeling too full or overwhelmed by strong flavours. It is a refreshing and clean-tasting beer that is easy to drink.

So, if you're looking for a classic lager to enjoy during your time in Ireland, Harp Lager is definitely one to try! It's a perfect choice for those who want a lighter, more refreshing beer option that still offers a traditional lager experience.

Irish Red Ales are malt-driven brews

The malt character of Irish Red Ales is often described as caramelly, toasty, or nutty. These flavours come from the use of British pale ale malt, which is kilned slightly darker than American two-row or pale malt. The higher kilning temperature brings out the malt's biscuit and toasty flavours. Some brewers may also use specialty malts such as Munich, Biscuit, or Victory to add additional malt character.

The caramel or toffee character in Irish Red Ales comes from the use of caramel or crystal specialty malts. However, using too much of these malts can result in an overly caramelly flavour and an unbalanced beer. A small amount of chocolate malt or roasted malt is also added to contribute to the reddish-copper colour.

The hop bitterness in Irish Red Ales is evenly balanced, but the dark malt addition can make the beer seem slightly more bitter. Hop flavour and aroma are typically low to non-existent, although some examples may have a subtle touch of hop character.

Irish Red Ales can be brewed as either ales or lagers, but the fermentation character should be relatively clean. When brewed as an ale, the beer will have some esters, but the ester profile should be restrained and subtle. The yeast used can also impact the flavour profile of the beer. Popular yeast strains for Irish Red Ales include Wyeast 1084 Irish Ale and White Labs WLP004 Irish Ale.

Overall, Irish Red Ales are easy-drinking, malt-forward beers with a balance of sweet and bitter flavours. They are a great choice for those looking for a "utility" beer that almost anyone can drink and appreciate.

Smithwicks Ale is a national brand

Smithwick's is a nice, light ale with a malty yet sweet flavour. It is ideal with a traditional Irish dinner and is easy to drink, bursting with delicious hoppy flavours. It is a good alternative to Guinness for those who find that too heavy, or for those who want something more adventurous than a Bud Light.

Smithwick's is pronounced 'smitticks' and is one of the national brands you're likely to encounter in Ireland, along with Harp Lager, which is one of the few domestically-produced lagers.

If you're in Dublin, a trip to the Guinness Brewery is a must. Established in 1759, the Guinness St. James Gate Brewery produces the world’s finest Dry Stout. You can also visit the Guinness Museum to learn about the history of brewing in Ireland, see advertising, brewing equipment, cooper’s tools, and enjoy free samples of Guinness Stout.

Irish pubs serve a range of beers

Stouts

Dry Stout is the national brew of Ireland, and Guinness is the most famous example. Established in the 18th century, Guinness is one of the most popular macro breweries in Ireland. The beer is distinctively dark, with a rich, creamy head. It is made from water, barley, roast malt extract, hops, and brewer's yeast. A portion of the barley is roasted to give it its characteristic dark colour and bittersweet taste. Other popular stouts include Murphy's, Beamish, and O'Hara's.

Ales

In addition to stouts, Ireland also has a tradition of brewing ales, such as red ales and Irish cream ales. Smithwick's (pronounced "Smitticks") is a popular Irish red ale, while Kilkenny Irish Cream Ale is a classic ale with a creamy texture and flavours of roasted nuts, toffee, and caramel.

Lagers

When it comes to lagers, Harp is a classic choice. It is a simple, traditional lager that is perfect for summertime, especially when served ice-cold. Another option is the Porterhouse Temple Lager, the first and original lager of Temple Bar.

Craft Beers

The craft beer scene in Ireland has been growing in recent years, with a surge in independent breweries and microbreweries. One popular craft beer is McGargles Francis' Big Bangin' IPA, which has aromas of orange, grapefruit, and pine. Other notable craft breweries include Rascals Brewing Company, Wicklow Wolf, and Galway Bay.

So, whether you're looking for a stout, ale, lager, or craft beer, Irish pubs have something to offer everyone. Cheers, or as they say in Ireland, "Slainte"!

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