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How to down a pint in a real Irish pub

by Justin Glow (RSS feed) on Dec 21st 2006 at 9:30AM

Guinness is an acquired taste, they say. My first sip of the black stuff wasn't the finest; the thickness of a full Guinness left me wondering whether I had just downed a draught, or a dirty, soured milkshake. But, in time, I found that unlike American piss-waters like Budweiser (my favorite) or Natural Light, Guinness was meant to be sipped as an experience in itself. Sure, you still get drunk, but maybe that wasn't the point -- maybe there was more to drinking a beer than the inevitable loose tongue, and subsequent hangover.

Now, I've never been to Ireland (and rumor has it the further away from St. James's Gate Brewery in Dublin you get, the worse the Guinness tastes) but when I do get a chance to visit old Eire, I'll be using Cheryl Donahue's World Hum guide to becoming a "first class punter" -- an expert Guinness drinker -- in an attempt to blend in while searching out a pint of Ireland's finest.

First step is to find the right pub by staying away from the tourist-friendly highway bars, and instead focus on a small villages with at least three pubs. "A one-pub village won't cut it, as everyone and their brother will be there, from the permanently drunk old-timer spewing forth about the Black & Tans to the fresh-faced passers-bye." Once you've nailed down the proper bar, it's time to order a pint like the locals: "Do not order a piña colada, gin and tonic or a margarita. Above all, do not order a Budweiser."

Damn.

For Cheryl's complete play-by-play on enjoying the full Guinness experience, head over to World Hum.

Cheers!

Filed under: Food and Drink, Europe, Ireland

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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)

Loretta Dec 29th 2006 2:12PM

Having visited Ireland twice in the past six years, I can say that finding a suitable neighborhood pub is the key to a genuine Irish experience. The Irish are wonderfully hospitable, and will share their heritage as freely as they pour their stout. Guinness is best enjoyed at a leisurely rate, and is clearly freshest near the brewery. I prefer Irish coffe, but my boyfriend found that Guiness is best enjoyed several times a day one pint at a time. If you have an opportunity to visit, please take your time, and visit with the locals. Stay away from the tourist agenda, and you will find the magic that is Ireland.

joe hurst Dec 29th 2006 2:18PM

My mother was born in County Mayo. I have been to Ireland and learned that Bud. that is brewed there is the second most popular there. You are right about location. when you have to wait 10 min. for your glass to fill it sure tastes great fresh.
Thankyou

Vivi Dec 29th 2006 2:41PM

Never had a Guiness; have had a Bud, both light and regular. If it's all the same to you, I'll stick with my Bud.

Mike Dec 29th 2006 2:48PM

Slainte Mhath!

Janet Dec 29th 2006 2:53PM

Aw, Guiness! The only brew that drinks like a meal............mother's milk. Complete with b-vitamens and trace minerals, it would be a far stretch to call it "health food", but if it can make you slow down,lean back,share a few good tales whilst making new friends in a cozy pub...........it may be better than Prozac!

Joe Poethig Dec 29th 2006 3:01PM

I would have to agree that Guiness is an aquired taste, my first experience seemed like it was burnt motor oil. After a few years had passed, in the spirit of St. Paddy's Day, I indulged in a pint and realized it wasn't half bad, just tasted a little like burnt coffee. Been drinking it on and off ever since.

Amy Dec 29th 2006 3:03PM

I love Guinness! And yes, I enjoy Budweiser too. It is very true that when you plan to drink Guinness, it should ONLY be from a tap and NEVER from a bottle. This is one beer that can't be a bottled beer! And it should be sipped slowly to be fully enjoyed. It I still find it funny to see how many people are surprised that I (a woman) enjoy the dark, thick, creamy full bodied taste of Guinness, although most men think it's cool. Try a pint today if you never have. You may never go back to the others!

Jack Gagen Dec 29th 2006 3:15PM

Having been to Ireland four times and having had Guiness with the brewery workers and higher ups it is nice to know that they make different types of Guiness and depending on where you live dictates the type that you will get. The Guiness in Dublin is the very best .

keith paul Dec 29th 2006 3:16PM

I have been drinking guinness for over twenty years now, as a matter of fact i grew up drinking it. It is a drink that has to be sipped lightly to fully enjoy it's taste. Here is a great recipe that construction workers in the caribbean use with guinness. one pint of guinness, one egg, and half can of evaporated milk, all mixed together makes an enjoyable drink

Marjorie H. Dec 29th 2006 3:21PM

Being of Jamaican descent, Guiness is a staple drink on the island. A great variation for thoroughly enjoying the brew is to blend Guiness with sweetened milk, chill and serve. That spells D-E-L-I-C-I-O-U-S.

Marjorie H. Dec 29th 2006 3:22PM

Maria Dec 29th 2006 3:26PM

I don't typically drink. I mean, at ALL! But when there's the opportunity, which are few and far between, I'll go to an Irish pub in New York City and just can't pass up having a pint of Guinness. And living 100 miles from NYC, it doesn't happen as much as I'd like it to. I've even tried bottles, and those cans with the little CO2 dispenser in it... nothing is like a fresh-pulled pint of Guinness. Maybe someday I'll go to Ireland and get it fresh from the brewery! Thanks, Guinness!

Tate Dec 29th 2006 3:27PM

I drink it in the USA but there is nothing like a Guinness in an Irish Pub. Something to make sure you do before you die.

Dennis Dec 29th 2006 4:02PM

I have been to Ireland and found the Dunadry Inn outside Belfast to have an excellent Guinness on draught...and yes it does take a few tries to understand how to get the fullness and flavor from a pint..

BoBfromMaine Dec 29th 2006 3:36PM

Any bar within 25 miles of Dublin will be able to properly draw a pint of Guiness. Otherwise, they would be out of business! Draft is the only way. Bottles are like a different beer, not the same, but still good. Don't order a bottle of Guinness in Ireland. If your at a restaurant, look for a draft later. This is more fun anyway!

Walter Rein Dec 29th 2006 3:35PM

Went to Ireland for the Ryder Cup this fall. The Ryder Cup stunk but the Guinness was great. Drank it (or should I say sipped it) at the brewery and it was definately better there then in the States. Ireland has a love of beer; Guinness is the most famous but there are many a great beer on that lovely island!