Guinness Draught

Guinness is based on the porter style beers that appeared in England in the 18th century. The beer actually has less calories per volume than most regular strength beers. The dark colour comes from the inclusion of roasted barley. The thick, slow forming head is a result of mixing the beer with nitrogen, as opposed to carbon dioxide only. The small bubbles that result give the beer its smooth character.

Origin: Dublin, Ireland

Alcohol/vol: 4.2%

Style: Dry stout

Average Rating: 8.00 

Every chance you’ll enjoy

Craig’s tasting

U2, George Best, green beer & the IRA are all world renowned products of Ireland. Guinness can also be added to this list.

I love reminiscing about my first experiences with beers. Unfortunately I don’t have fond memories of my first experience with this one and for that reason I have spent my life avoiding it.

Only six months ago if someone asked me to describe Guinness I would have said something like “its dirty overtones are akin to drinking a heavily used ashtray filled with water”.

Things have changed however. These days I am finding I am more accepting of all things Irish. For instance I only buy sausages from my barber. They are Irish pork sausages and they are imported from Melbourne. I prefer not to ask why a barber is selling sausages on the side. They are good, the supply is regular and the barber is an Irishman who refuses to eat “shite food”. So I go along with it.

Now back to the Guinness. My counterpart is of Irish heritage. As a result he believes that Guinness is a suitable substitute for milk, water, coffee and possibly engine oil. While I don’t necessarily agree with this point of view, I do respect the beautiful stoutiness of this beer.

Ok, the point I am trying to make in this review is that Irish things are not that bad. I am going to add more Guinness to my diet, effective immediately, it is world class.

Danny’s tasting

There doesn't seem to be a beer that divides people more than Guinness. People tend to either love it or loathe it.

I think this has a lot to do with people not appreciating that Guinness is a STOUT and as such has to be consumed accordingly. It is not meant to be drunk in record time as a thirst quencher. When was the last time you saw an Irishman complete a marathon and say "sure 'n begora tat was a long run, I tink I'll have meself a pint o Guinness now"?.

Ok bad example, but you see what I'm driving at.

Guinness is to be sipped and savoured. Is there a more mesmerising sight than watching the head of a Guinness appear in your pint glass? You could sit back and enjoy the creamy taste as you contemplate life's great questions like "was it a good idea to spend this weeks food money on a $60- slab of Guinness, and can I

pin point the precise moment my life went pear shaped?"

With Guinness, to the non believers, no explanation of appreciation will suffice, and to the true believers no explanation is necessary. (You can quote me on that).

God bless the widget, god bless Guinness.