The golden harp backed in black with that familiar white writing. Such insignia adorns the hand pumps of most U.K drinking houses. The proof that Guinness is still, as ever, a popular beverage.
Commonly called a beer (a generic term derived from the Germanic 'biber' or 'to drink'), Guinness is visually closer to a porter. The popularity of heavy dark malted porters developed in the eighteenth century amongst the working classes (river porters) of London. Porter was the first fermented beer to be aged by the brewery, unlike the common practice of letting the Publican do it. It is from differing strengths of porter where the familiar term 'stout' originates.
As mentioned above, Guinness Draught is closer in style to a porter but is essentially still a beer. When poured correctly into a pint glass the beer does not settle immediately. Due to this nature, and sensibly marketed adverts by Guinness, the brand has a unique standing amongst drinkers worldwide. The beer will eventually settle (the Guinness cascade) and produce a thick creamy white head. This is distinctly juxtaposed with the deep dark body directly beneath it. Its presence in a pint glass has become iconic.
The cult nature of this brand is such that unlike any other brand on tap, Guinness Draught has its own set of rules to follow. The serving of the pint is formed in two steps. Firstly the initial half pint pour is left to settle before the top half is added. Guinness express that the waiting time before the second half can be completed must be 119.5 seconds, or two minutes. In truth it does not matter, but was part of a campaign to alleviate drinker's lack of support for the time taken by bar tenders to serve the draught. This was further enforced by the slogan "Good things come to those who wait".
So how does this iconic, moody looking emblem of Ireland taste in comparison with other brands? Guinness Draught is distinct in its taste. Provided you do not opt for the 'Extra Cold' option, you can savour the full 'meal in a glass' that all Guinness impart. As you break through the creamy, not frothy, head your mouth is awash with medium weight bitterness. Its taste is gritty and earthy, almost akin to the peat bogs of Ireland. There is not any sharp sensation of the dwelling alcohol contained, and this makes it all the more drinkable. With each sip the head stays full and does not dissipate like the head on a bitter or ale. It tracks a continual mark down the glass staying present throughout. There is a distinguishable after taste which in excess sours the mouth. It is not unpleasant or unpalatable; if anything it has a medicinal taste.
It was perhaps this after taste which gave rise to the slogan "Guinness is good for you" in the 1920's. Research has shown that despite its alcohol content, if drunk in moderation, Guinness contains similar anti-oxidant properties as found in vegetables and fruit. It also has fewer calories measure for measure than semi-skimmed milk.
It must also be mentioned that there is a less healthful property. Many forget that the first person Guinness went to for some advertorial presence was the Irish poet, novelist, playwright and self proclaimed drinker Brendan Behan. After much deliberation, two cases of Guinness and a night of lyrical muse, his slogan for the black gold of Ireland was simply; "Guinness gets you drunk". He wasn't wrong.
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The cult nature of this brand is such that unlike any other brand on tap, Guinness Draught has its own set of rules to follow. The serving of the pint is formed in two steps. Firstly the initial half pint pour is left to settle before the top half is added. Guinness express that the waiting time before the second half can be completed must be 119.5 seconds, or two minutes. In truth it does not matter, but was part of a campaign to alleviate drinker's lack of support for the time taken by bar tenders to serve the draught. This was further enforced by the slogan "Good things come to those who wait".
So how does this iconic, moody looking emblem of Ireland taste in comparison with other brands? Guinness Draught is distinct in its taste. Provided you do not opt for the 'Extra Cold' option, you can savour the full 'meal in a glass' that all Guinness impart. As you break through the creamy, not frothy, head your mouth is awash with medium weight bitterness. Its taste is gritty and earthy, almost akin to the peat bogs of Ireland. There is not any sharp sensation of the dwelling alcohol contained, and this makes it all the more drinkable. With each sip the head stays full and does not dissipate like the head on a bitter or ale. It tracks a continual mark down the glass staying present throughout. There is a distinguishable after taste which in excess sours the mouth. It is not unpleasant or unpalatable; if anything it has a medicinal taste.
It was perhaps this after taste which gave rise to the slogan "Guinness is good for you" in the 1920's. Research has shown that despite its alcohol content, if drunk in moderation, Guinness contains similar anti-oxidant properties as found in vegetables and fruit. It also has fewer calories measure for measure than semi-skimmed milk.
It must also be mentioned that there is a less healthful property. Many forget that the first person Guinness went to for some advertorial presence was the Irish poet, novelist, playwright and self proclaimed drinker Brendan Behan. After much deliberation, two cases of Guinness and a night of lyrical muse, his slogan for the black gold of Ireland was simply; "Guinness gets you drunk". He wasn't wrong.
Rate my work at: http://www.helium.com/tm/875387/golden-backed-black-familiar
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