I’m no fan of green beer, so to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, I usually turn to an old Irish favourite. A global brand with a 260-year history that is apparently now brewed in 50 countries – Guinness stout.
It’s black, rich and creamy, and pours with a velvety head so thick you can write your initials in it. No kidding – I’ve done it. But not everybody is keen on sticking a finger in their pint.
It may look robust, but Guinness is anything but harsh. It goes down smoothly, complemented by a nice blend of bitter and sweet – along with strong malt, thanks to its base of roasted barley.
Canned vs draft? That’s typically an easy decision, but some industry genius has figured out how to deliver the taste and texture of a real pub pint without the pub. Each can of Guinness includes a plastic “widget” that infuses its brew with tiny nitrogen bubbles when you pop the top. Just pour gently, and voila!
But the Irish icon isn’t the only one to employ this trick. O’Hara’s Irish Nitro Stout is similarly charged to deliver the draught experience. First brewed in 1999, it may not have the long pedigree, but it too has tiny, cascading bubbles rising to a thick creamy head. O’Hara’s has a deep black colour, with a reddish hue (when held to the light), and boasts a complex coffee aroma with liquorice notes. There’s a bit of hoppiness, with an espresso-like finish. This stout pairs nicely with lamb stew.
Kilkenny brewing does have a long history that dates back to the 14th century, and their Irish Cream Ale may not have the nitro bubbles, but is smooth nonetheless. It pours a brilliant copper colour, with a foamy white head that sticks around. The aroma is malty and fresh, while the palate is slightly bitter, with light coffee and raisin.
Sticking with the day’s theme, I’m hoping to pair my stout with a nice Guinness stew – although a juicy burger will suffice. Alternatively, I’m sure a few of you will be making the trek to the local pub, now that COVID restrictions are relaxing.
But if you’re staying home, picking up a selection of Guinness, O’Hara’s, and Kilkenny may be a wonderful “Plan B.” Happy St. Patrick’s Day!
— Neil
