Why Guinness?

**Burly Brute** · 9th May 11, 09:26 AM

Originally Posted by robthehiker

While in London on business many years ago I was taken to a pub by my new boss - the managing director of our UK office. It was early in the day following a late night of drinking with him and I couldn't face the prospect of another beer. As he ordered I saw the Strongbow tap and said "oh, I'll have a Strongbow - I've never had it before". Drinks arrived, we clinked glasses, I took a sip and said "hey, this is pretty good". He replied "yes, it is and it's also a f*#@ing woman's drink". The next time the bartender looked my way I waved him over, looked my boss in the eye then said to the bartender "same again please".

I still like Strongbow.

Sounds like you work for a real tool! I'll say, I can drink down the mustiest of beers...does that make me anymore a man? Pfft, hardly. I love Magners and Strongbow. I like Magners better because it's a bit more tart. And honestly, the alcohol content of the hard ciders I believe is way higher than beers. So, what's he got to say, aye? Next time just get a shot of jameson in it, that's what I do. The taste combination is amazing, it's worth the 8-9 bucks.(Disclaimer: Only have one or two of those, unless you don't enjoy the use of your legs haha!)

**Coinneach** · 9th May 11, 09:45 AM

I grew up not drinking. Even after trying a number of different beers as an adult, I still wasn't a fan. After several months in Spain, I had acquired a taste for red wine. Later on a trip to Dublin, I thought I'd sample the Guinness I'd heard so much about. While waiting for my pint at the bar I couldn't help but notice the tall glasses of black beer in front of the patrons on either side of me. I thought, 'this may not be for me.' So I picked up my pint and found a dark spot against the wall, thinking that if I really didn't like it I could slip out unnoticed. I took a sip and thought...'that's not too bad.' So I took another, longer sip. I then picked up my pint and found my spot with the other Guinness drinkers at the bar and enjoyed several more. It's been my beer of choice ever since.

**robdog1701** · 9th May 11, 12:43 PM

Originally Posted by beloitpiper

EXCELLENT response. There is no such thing as a woman's drink. Only bad drinks, and they tend to be pink.

Incorrect Sir,

While in Jackson Hole on a ski trip, a woman at the bar offered to buy her ski instructor a beer. He said, "Thanks, I'll take a Coors."

To which she replied, "If I knew your were going to order a cheerleader beer; I wouldn't have offered."

At this point the bartender and I almost sprayed our drinks across the room.

**IrishSailor** · 9th May 11, 08:49 PM

I'm a big fan of Samuel Smith's Oatmeal Stout myself. I also like the Shakespeare Stout from Rogue Brewery

**Jack Daw** · 10th May 11, 08:16 AM

Originally Posted by IrishSailor

I'm a big fan of Samuel Smith's Oatmeal Stout myself. I also like the Shakespeare Stout from Rogue Brewery

That's the clincher! Off to the package store this Saturday for some o' this!

**jason10mm** · 10th May 11, 09:05 AM

I was never a beer drinker growing up, mainly because my dad drinks the cheapest, palest crap he can get, so naturally I thought all beer tasted like watery piss. Then I started getting exposed to richer beers later on and finally Guinness, which is not my favorite beer (though very near the top!) but is an excellent "go to" beer and is widely available, plus has a pretty unique appearance that typically shames the miller lite drinkers around you.

FWIW, having a shamrock or heart in the head means the pint was poured correctly. You are supposed to fill the pint glass about 3/4ths full, then allow it a minute or so to settle, then pull the tap in reverse for a slow finishing pour that allows you to make the design in the existing head. This extra time shows a bartender who respects the brew.

My favorite beer is "Old Engine Oil". So thick and tarry it does resemble burned oil to an amazing degree. I also am a huge fan of "Ola Dubh" which is a porter finished in Highland Park scotch barrels. If you go to the right place and are willing to pay you can even get a dram of the Highland Park from that same barrel to go with the beer!

**Jack Daw** · 10th May 11, 12:55 PM

Originally Posted by jason10mm

I was never a beer drinker growing up, mainly because my dad drinks the cheapest, palest crap he can get, so naturally I thought all beer tasted like watery piss. Then I started getting exposed to richer beers later on and finally Guinness, which is not my favorite beer (though very near the top!) but is an excellent "go to" beer and is widely available, plus has a pretty unique appearance that typically shames the miller lite drinkers around you.

FWIW, having a shamrock or heart in the head means the pint was poured correctly. You are supposed to fill the pint glass about 3/4ths full, then allow it a minute or so to settle, then pull the tap in reverse for a slow finishing pour that allows you to make the design in the existing head. This extra time shows a bartender who respects the brew.

My favorite beer is "Old Engine Oil". So thick and tarry it does resemble burned oil to an amazing degree. I also am a huge fan of "Ola Dubh" which is a porter finished in Highland Park scotch barrels. If you go to the right place and are willing to pay you can even get a dram of the Highland Park from that same barrel to go with the beer!

You must be talking about two beers by Harviestoun. I haven't tried the Ola Dubh, but you're right about Old Engine Oil - good stuff!

**Woot22** · 10th May 11, 01:29 PM

I too always have enjoyed a good pint of Guinness. It used to be the beer I tipped back the most back in my Army days. Now I mostly drink Sam Adams Boston Lager and occasionally Michelob Amber Bock. Both are excellent readily available non import beers which I have grown fond of as of late. Still enjoy a pint of Guinness every once in awhile though. Strongbow is excellent as well so to heck with anybody who calls that a women's drink.

**robthehiker** · 10th May 11, 08:37 PM

Originally Posted by Burly Brute

Sounds like you work for a real tool! I'll say, I can drink down the mustiest of beers...does that make me anymore a man? Pfft, hardly. I love Magners and Strongbow. I like Magners better because it's a bit more tart. And honestly, the alcohol content of the hard ciders I believe is way higher than beers. So, what's he got to say, aye? Next time just get a shot of jameson in it, that's what I do. The taste combination is amazing, it's worth the 8-9 bucks.(Disclaimer: Only have one or two of those, unless you don't enjoy the use of your legs haha!)

I haven't worked for them for quite a few years. He was actually a decent bloke; just a bit of a blowhard. I'll have to try Magners with Jameson sometime. It sounds pretty good!

**Standard** · 10th May 11, 09:16 PM

Guinness is like a comfortable old sweater that you can always grab, and know exactly what you are getting. I personally like Beamish better than Guinness, but it is hard to come by here in west central Illinois. For the most part the darker the better Dark Horse Four Smoked Stout is a good example of this. When going for something a little "lighter" a Samuel Smith's Imperial Stout, or Samuel Smith's Old Brewery Pale Ale is a nice beer too. Founder's Brewery Breakfast Stout is another favourite of mine.