Expert Reveals: Brits Are Drinking Guinness Wrong

Guinness, the iconic stout from Ireland, is much more than just a beer—it’s an institution. But strangely Brits who say they drink Guinness, don’t actually like the taste of it.

The team at Free Bets Ireland polled 2000 Brits aged 18+ who drank Guinness regularly, if they actually enjoyed the taste, and 57% said no, when asked why they drank Guinness 32% said they think it’s a healthier option, and 25% said they drink it to look good…

The team at Free Bets Ireland spoke with Irish pub landlord, Jenny Doyle – from Galway, who reveals she’s easily poured over 1 million pints of Guinness! She spoke to us exclusively and told us exactly what’s behind a perfect pint of Guinness. Jenny also tells us we’re drinking Guinness wrong.

‘I see a lot of people drinking Guinness wrong. When drinking, avoid sipping just the foam. Tilt the glass and drink through the head, allowing both the beer and the foam to hit your palate at the same time for the full range of flavours. The proper way to drink Guinness is to take generous sips, not small ones.’

Spotting the Perfect Pint of Guinness

The Pour

A perfect pint of Guinness starts with the pour. The process should take approximately 119.5 seconds—the famous “two-part pour.” The first pour fills the glass up to three-quarters, at a 45-degree angle, which allows the stout to cascade and settle. After pausing for about a minute, the glass is topped off, creating the perfect head—a thick, creamy layer that should be about three-quarters of an inch.

The Appearance

Once poured, the ideal Guinness should present a stark contrast between the jet-black color of the beer and the rich, creamy white of the head. The beer itself should be clear, not cloudy, with a characteristically dark ruby red hue when held up to light.

The Temperature

Guinness is best served at a temperature of 6-7°C (42.8-44.6°F). This temperature allows the full range of flavours and the smooth texture to come through without being masked by excessive cold.

Enjoying Your Guinness

The First Sip

To truly appreciate a Guinness, take your first sip through the creamy head. This technique allows the slightly bitter and malty flavours of the stout to blend with the sweetness of the foam, creating a balanced and enjoyable experience.

The Aroma

Take a moment to smell your Guinness before diving in. You should detect hints of coffee and malt, with a slight yeasty backdrop that adds to its complexity.

The Texture

A properly served Guinness has a smooth and velvety texture that is almost like a meal in itself. The beer should feel robust and enveloping in the mouth, a hallmark of its well-earned reputation.

Jenny also reveals exclusively to Free Bets Ireland, some popular local food pairings 

• Beef Stew: The robust flavours of Guinness work wonderfully in a hearty beef stew. The malt and caramel notes of the beer complement the savoury meat and can even be used in the cooking process.
• Oysters: A classic pairing, the briny freshness of oysters contrasted with the deep, roasted flavours of Guinness is a match made in heaven. This combination is often enjoyed in Irish pubs.
• Chocolate Desserts: The rich, chocolatey notes in Guinness Stout make it a perfect accompaniment to chocolate desserts like brownies or chocolate lava cake.
• Barbecue: The smoky flavours from barbecued meats such as ribs or pulled pork are wonderfully complemented by the dark, caramel undertones of Guinness.
• Cheeses: Opt for aged cheddar or blue cheese to pair with Guinness. The strong flavours of these cheeses stand up well to the bold characteristics of the beer.
• Irish Soda Bread: Enjoy a simple and traditional snack by pairing Guinness with freshly baked Irish soda bread, perhaps with some rich butter or smoked salmon.
• Shepherd’s Pie: Another hearty dish that pairs beautifully with Guinness is shepherd’s pie. The beer’s malty sweetness balances the savoury meat and vegetable filling.
• Fish and Chips: For a lighter meal, the crispness of battered fish and chips alongside a pint of Guinness provides a delightful contrast in textures and flavours.
• Roasted Nuts: A simple snack of roasted almonds or mixed nuts with salt and herbs can be a great complement to Guinness, especially in a pub setting.
• Spicy Foods: The creamy, smooth nature of Guinness can help cool the palate when eating spicy foods like curry or spicy chicken wings.

Jenny explains, “These pairings play off the unique characteristics of Guinness, such as its malt sweetness and slight bitterness, making them great choices for a meal or snack.”

Credit to : https://freebets.ie/ for the above information.