Ireland is renowned for its two notable contributions to the global beverage scene: Irish whiskey and beer. When it comes to the latter, Ireland has produced some of the world’s most beloved styles and brands of beer. From classic pale ales to dark stouts, these craft brews have been enjoyed by generations of beer aficionados all around the world. Each type has its own unique flavor profile that reflects on traditions passed down through time in this Emerald Isle nation. Whether you’re a fan of traditional lagers or prefer more modern interpretations, there are numerous types and brands of Irish beers from which to choose. All in all, Ireland’s well-earned reputation as one of the top producers of quality beer is certainly deserved!
When it comes to beer, Ireland has an extensive brewing past that goes back centuries; in fact, its history can be traced as far back as three hundred years. The country is renowned for having created some of the most sought-after beers on the planet, and numerous other brews have gained immense popularity in North America and beyond. Ireland’s unique contribution to the world of beer continues to be celebrated today. Many of these beers become particularly popular during the month of March, as people across the globe come together to raise their glasses and toast St. Patrick’s Day with a frothy pint of their preferred Irish ale or lager. The beloved holiday serves as a reminder to take pleasure in life’s simple things, like sharing great company over an ice-cold beer – preferably one that hails from Ireland!
1. Guinness
Guinness, the iconic and globally renowned Irish beer, has been a staple of the country’s brewing industry since its inception in 1759. This legendary brew is composed of four simple ingredients – roasted barley, hops, yeast, and water – yet it produces a unique flavor that has earned Guinness its own distinct place in beer culture. The color of this stout beverage is often described as black but according to Guinness itself, it is officially recognized as having a dark ruby hue.
There are many different kinds of Guinness Stout that can be found in various regions around the globe. The most popular variety is Guinness Draught, which was created in 1959 and has become renowned for its unique creamy texture and abundant foamy head, a result of being infused with beer gas containing nitrogen. This refreshing and delicious beverage can be enjoyed in a variety of ways: on draft, or in cans and bottles filled with widgets that contain nitrogen gas. Every container of this delightful drink is packed with flavor, offering an invigorating experience to quench your thirst.
Guinness Extra Stout is a popular beer choice, renowned for its distinct flavor. It boasts a similar taste profile to the original Guinness, but provides an added dryness and slightly more intense bite on the finish. This robust brew offers drinkers a bolder tasting experience that never disappoints. Guinness Foreign Extra Stout is a heavier and richer stout than usual, boasting chocolatey and fruity notes along with an ABV of 7.5%. Although the United States, typically has an ABV of 5.6%, the strength can vary in other countries and can be as low as 4.2%.
2. Smithwick’s Irish Ale
Similar to the popular Guinness, Smithwick’s is a beer that has inspired an entire style of brewing. If you’re looking for something unique and scrumptious to drink with your meal, but without the heaviness of a traditional stout, then Smithwick’s should be your go-to choice. This Irish ale provides a smooth and flavourful drinking experience that will surely not disappoint! This Irish Red Ale is an incredibly accessible beverage for all types of beer enthusiasts, providing a harmonious blend of malty and bitter flavors. This style of ale is uniquely characterized by its attractive amber-red hue, which gives it its name. It’s a great choice for those seeking out a flavorful yet simple beer-drinking experience.
The Smithwick’s name is pronounced without the ‘W’, making it sound like “Smitticks.” This renowned Irish brewery has been around for centuries, and in addition to its well-loved Irish Red Ale, they also produce a Pale Ale and Blonde Ale. Each of these beers is crafted with care using traditional methods and quality ingredients, ensuring that each sip will be enjoyed by all.
3. Harp Lager
In 1960, in response to the increasing demand for European-style lagers in Ireland, Guinness created Harp Lager. This beer was named after the iconic Brian Boru harp which is also seen as part of their iconic logo. The intricate design of this historically significant symbol has become synonymous with Guinness and provides a unique identity for Harp Lager. The Harp lager, which was originally created and brewed at the Great Northern Brewery in Dundalk, is now being manufactured at the Guinness St. James’s Gate Brewery situated in Dublin. This switch from Dalkey to Dublin marks a significant change for the company as they move its production site to an iconic location within Ireland’s capital city.
Harp is a refreshingly light and crisp European Pale Lager with a golden hue. Boasting subtle bitterness, it offers a perfectly balanced blend of malt and hop flavors that make it an ideal choice for those seeking something lighter than the heavier dry stouts or red ales. Its delicate flavor profile makes Harp a great companion to any meal, snack, or just relaxing in the sun. A Half & Half is an iconic Irish beverage, consisting of Guinness and Harp lager. The iconic Black & Tan gets an Irish twist with a unique full Irish experience bringing together Harp lager and Guinness Stout in a classic half-pint pour. A remarkable combination resulted in this typically British beverage being uniquely tailored to Ireland only. If you ever find yourself in Ireland, we would highly suggest that you order a Half & Half with Harp Lager instead of the much more common Black and Tan. This is an iconic beer concoction that consists of half Guinness Stout and half Harp lager, which provides a smooth and mellow flavor. It’s certainly worth giving it a try if you’re looking to experience something truly Irish!
4. Kilkenny
If you’re looking for a beer that combines the smooth and velvety texture of a Guinness or other nitrogenated Irish dry stout with the malty sweetness of Irish red ale, then Kilkenny Irish Cream Ale is a perfect choice. This unique brew offers a blend of complex flavors, including hints of caramel, toffee, and roasted barley, all combined in one creamy pint. So why not give it a try? You won’t be disappointed! The renowned St. Francis Abbey Brewery in Kilkenny, Ireland, was the birthplace of this popular and highly-appreciated beer. Established in the late 19th century, the brewery produced this beverage for many years until its closure in 2013. Despite no longer being brewed at its original location, customers continue to enjoy this classic beer that has been a favorite among Irish and international consumers alike over the decades.
Similar to Harp, Kilkenny is a unique combination of two Irish beer styles developed by the brewing experts at Guinness. This brew has a rich reddish-amber hue similar to Smithwick’s, and its creamy tan head is created using nitrogen gas, resulting in an appearance that gives off the same vibes as a pint of Guinness. The flavor of this beer is similar to that of a red ale, but with the hop notes somewhat subdued. In addition to these malty notes, you will also experience the distinctive cascading bubbles and creamy texture which are characteristic of nitrogenated beers.
Irish Beer Style Guide
When it comes to styles of beer that are particularly associated with Ireland, there are two that come to mind. Irish Dry Stout and Irish Red Ale have become increasingly popular on this side of the Atlantic Ocean, becoming especially sought-after in the days leading up to St. Patrick’s Day each March. These beers are renowned for their distinctive flavor profiles – ranging from dark chocolate and coffee notes for stouts, to caramel and biscuit flavors for red ale – which makes them ideal accompaniments for an authentic celebration of Irish culture.
1. Irish Dry Stout
Truly, the Irish Dry Stout beer style is inextricably linked to one particular brewery and that is the St. James Gate Brewery in Dublin, Ireland where Arthur Guinness signed a remarkable 9,000-year lease agreement back in 1759. This singular event laid down the foundations for what has become an iconic beer style enjoyed across the world today. He had some prior experience with brewing, but he was motivated to make his fortune and capitalize on the growing popularity of London Porters, so he hired a renowned porter brewer as an expert consultant to assist him in achieving his goal.
2. Irish Red Ale
The Smithwick Brewery, located in the charming Irish town of Kilkenny, was founded in 1710 and is renowned for its creation of the popular beer known as Smithwick’s. This brew bears a strong resemblance to an English Pale Ale, yet differs slightly due to its inclusion of roasted barley in its grist. This additional ingredient gives it a more distinctive flavor that makes it uniquely Irish. This type of malt imparted a deep, dark red hue to the beer, imparting it with a delectable and toasty dryness that rendered it incredibly smooth and highly palatable. Its flavor made it very enjoyable to drink. Red Ale is not a widely consumed style of beer in Ireland, where there are only a handful of brewers who make it. However, this type of brew has become quite popular in the United States due to the success of beers like Killian’s Irish Red, an Amber Lager that has attracted many fans and helped to increase the visibility and consumption of Red Ale across America.
Final Thoughts
Ireland is home to a vast array of breweries, with an extensive selection of beers. An immense number of varieties are available, making it almost impossible for even the most ardent imbiber to sample them all. Therefore, if you are looking for a good place to start your journey into Irish beer culture, the aforementioned selections will serve as a great introduction!
