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View Full Version : What's So Special About Guinness?


berkshire_rider
05-10-2004, 06:55 PM
Am I the only one who doesn't get the whole Guinness thing? I have tried it a couple times, and I find that it isn't anything special. I love good beer, including dark micro-brews, but Guinness just doesn't do much for me. Is there a special way to serve it or drink it that I haven't experienced? :confused:

BikeGeek
05-11-2004, 08:14 AM
It's a decent extra stout ale. There are others out there that are just as good, and I'm sure there may be better ones. It's all marketing.

It also helps that in the midst of America's low carb craze, it's come out that Guinness is comparable to a light beer, such as Amstel, in the carb department, or so I've read. A light beer with taste, interesting concept. :)

BarbaRosa
05-11-2004, 10:28 AM
:eek:


what?


well, yes, a good bar-:monkey: can pour it jjuusstt right and even put a lucky charm/4 leaf clover IN THE SUDS

a moron rushes it and the Guiness tastes different. it must be poured slow to allow the CO2 to do its thing

what is the big deal? ... just a marketing thing really and it is darn good. when my nieghborhood pub sees me walk in, they pour one for me. can not beat the local establishments that way!

but, other dark beers are good to, but, Guiness and the CO2 is an old brew, is an Irish icon and thereby.... a marker of pride

Ridemonkey
05-11-2004, 10:29 AM
Blasphemy. :dead:

Heidi
05-11-2004, 10:38 AM
There is nothing special, you shouldn't drink it, it sucks.

















more for me!

llkoolkeg
05-11-2004, 10:42 AM
What's So Special About Guinness?

It's creamy taste and almost universal availability.

TreeSaw
05-11-2004, 11:37 AM
How could you ask such a question??? :confused:

Guiness is smooth, creamy and should be poured slowly. I tend to like to drink mine just below room temp. We store it in the basement where it's cool, but not cold (maybe 50 degrees).

Trust me, go for a hard ride...have a slowly poured Guiness afterward (savor the flavor, don't chug) and you'll realize how AWESOME it is!!! :thumb:

Ridemonkey
05-11-2004, 11:41 AM
How about the fact that you can get a nitro pour just about anywhere?

BikeGeek
05-11-2004, 11:42 AM
Originally posted by Ridemonkey
How about the fact that you can get a nitro pour just about anywhere?

So, if I enhale the foam it's kinda like doing a whip-it? Cool!

:p

berkshire_rider
05-11-2004, 11:48 AM
I knew this would get some panties all bunched up. :p


I didn't say I though it was bad, just that I don't think it's anything special. I would honestly rather have a Killian's. Maybe I'll have to try one again, but IMO the local Micro-Brewery makes better dark beer.

http://www.fh-trier.de/~gielj/smilies/cheers.gif

Silver
05-11-2004, 11:54 AM
Marketing and availability. There are better stouts out there...

(And for the last time, it's not a high alcohol beer. 4.1%. It's a light beer, but just happens to have a dark color.) :)

BikeGeek
05-11-2004, 11:59 AM
Originally posted by berkshire_rider
I would honestly rather have a Killian's.

MMmmmmm... Coors Extra Red.

:p

biggins
05-11-2004, 12:45 PM
i dont like it at all man. bittter stout.horrendous aftertaste and a bite that i can not get over.also way to creamy for my taste. and yes stouts and porters are my favorite beers.

El Jefe
05-11-2004, 12:47 PM
Originally posted by berkshire_rider
Am I the only one who doesn't get the whole Guinness thing? I have tried it a couple times, and I find that it isn't anything special. I love good beer, including dark micro-brews, but Guinness just doesn't do much for me. Is there a special way to serve it or drink it that I haven't experienced? :confused:

I don't know you, but already I don't like you. :p ;)

Silver
05-11-2004, 12:49 PM
Originally posted by El Jefe
I don't know you, but already I don't like you. :p ;)

OT, but do you know what Hollingshead has on tap right now?

douglas
05-11-2004, 12:53 PM
extreme DH'rs don't drink Guiness, they drink 10w40 with either vodka or tequila (which tastes much better)

JRogers
05-12-2004, 03:26 AM
Originally posted by berkshire_rider
I knew this would get some panties all bunched up. :p


I didn't say I though it was bad, just that I don't think it's anything special. I would honestly rather have a Killian's. Maybe I'll have to try one again, but IMO the local Micro-Brewery makes better dark beer.

http://www.fh-trier.de/~gielj/smilies/cheers.gif

Killians? Not impressed with Killians in the least. Not bad but no better than Coors Light to me.

Guinness is a different kind of beer. Should be given out as military rations; it's like drinking a freakin potato. I have to be in the mood for it. Serve slowly as others have said. Also, not ice-cold. Chilled a bit maybe or just warm, not cold.

dirtyj
05-12-2004, 03:59 AM
black N tan
nectar of the gods

narlus
05-12-2004, 04:34 AM
it's a way of life.

guinness should not be adulterated by any additions. black n tans are for clueless punters.

i've *never* seen anyone drink one here in ireland. i think it's a legal offence.

btw, N2 whippets are not recommended, unless you like the bends.

berkshire_rider
05-12-2004, 07:15 AM
bittter stout.horrendous aftertaste and a bite that i can not get over

This has also been my experience with Guinness. The 3 times I tried one it was very bitter, and not smooth at all. :blah:

llkoolkeg
05-12-2004, 07:34 AM
Originally posted by berkshire_rider
The 3 times I tried one it was very bitter, and not smooth at all. :blah:

Well, have a Keystone and no bitter beer face! ;) :dead: ;)

BikeGeek
05-12-2004, 07:34 AM
Originally posted by narlus
btw, N2 whippets are not recommended, unless you like the bends.

I like the bends, but the newer stuff, especially kid A and amnesiac are really growing on me. :p

Dartman
05-12-2004, 07:35 AM
Originally posted by BikeGeek
MMmmmmm... Coors Extra Red.

:p

LOL!!! Well said!

berkshire_rider
05-12-2004, 07:48 AM
http://www.anchoredbygrace.com/smileys/kopfpatsch.gif

BarbaRosa
05-12-2004, 10:57 AM
Originally posted by berkshire_rider
This has also been my experience with Guinness. The 3 times I tried one it was very bitter, and not smooth at all. :blah:

i understand there are two formulas... most american dist has the smooth taste but, i know that at the same pub, there is a way difference if the bartender has a clue, ie, if it is as has been said, poured fast and not mixing the N in it, then it is more bitter, a properlu poured Guiness is ..... a way of life kind a good.

talk to the bartender

there is an art involved .... so, you may need to change your local pub to one that takes the care and time wtih it

BikeGeek
05-12-2004, 11:14 AM
From www.guinness.com

How should GUINNESS® Draught be poured?
In the pub, the perfect pint of GUINNESS® Draught is served using a 'two-part' pour. First, start with a clean, dry glass. Pour the GUINNESS® stout into a glass tilted at 45 degrees, until it is 3/4 full. Allow the surge to settle before filling the glass completely to the top. Your perfect pint, with its creamy white head, is ready to drink.

At home, you should let the can chill for at least 3 hours before pouring the contents of the can into a large glass in one smooth action.

narlus
05-12-2004, 11:15 AM
Originally posted by berkshire_rider
This has also been my experience with Guinness. The 3 times I tried one it was very bitter, and not smooth at all. :blah:

the stout shouldn't be bitter; hops typically gives a beer this taste, and stouts are not overly hopped (like a pale ale or IPA).

. Maybe I'll have to try one again, but IMO the local Micro-Brewery makes better dark beer.

just curious what you are comparing it to. portsmouth brewing company? is it a stout, porter, or brown ale?


more fun facts (http://webpages.marshall.edu/~bennett7/guinness/facts.html) about Guinness

BikeGeek
05-12-2004, 11:23 AM
Originally posted by narlus
the stout shouldn't be bitter; hops typically gives a beer this taste, and stouts are not overly hopped (like a pale ale or IPA).

Perhaps he's only had this?

http://www.guinness.com/vgn/images/portal/cit_451/1748838117488381mainExtraStout.jpg

"...strongest GUINNESS® in taste and has the highest alchohol content. Originally brewed for export to overseas markets such as Africa, it featured higher alcohol and carbonation levels as well as a more "hoppy" flavor to help the product survive long sea journeys. To the day, this strong oaky flavor is maintained at 19th century levels to provide a rich, flavorful drinking experience for beer connoisseurs and those who carry the love of this type of GUINNESS® from their home countries."

El Jefe
05-12-2004, 11:26 AM
Originally posted by Silver
OT, but do you know what Hollingshead has on tap right now?

No, do tell? hmm. Maybe I need to investigate this afternoon?

berkshire_rider
05-12-2004, 11:27 AM
just curious what you are comparing it to. portsmouth brewing company? is it a stout, porter, or brown ale?

Compare (http://www.evansale.com/on_tap.html)

berkshire_rider
05-12-2004, 11:28 AM
Perhaps he's only had this?

No. It was draft. :rolleyes:

BikeGeek
05-12-2004, 11:33 AM
Originally posted by berkshire_rider
No. It was draft. :rolleyes:

My grandfather used to always drink the bottled Extra Stout. I hated it.

It's not so bad now, but draught is the way to go. :)

berkshire_rider
05-12-2004, 11:49 AM
So, what I'm hearing is don't bother ordering Guiness unless I'm at an Irish pub? :confused:

BikeGeek
05-12-2004, 11:57 AM
Originally posted by berkshire_rider
So, what I'm hearing is don't bother ordering Guiness unless I'm at an Irish pub? :confused:

Irish pubs tend to pour them better because they are expected to be able to properly pour them. I've had decently poured pints elsewhere, but it's hit or miss.

narlus
05-13-2004, 01:53 AM
Originally posted by berkshire_rider
Compare (http://www.evansale.com/on_tap.html)

that link does nothing for me. my eyes are burning

berkshire_rider
05-13-2004, 07:15 AM
that link does nothing for me. my eyes are burning

:confused:



just curious what you are comparing it to. portsmouth brewing company? is it a stout, porter, or brown ale?

narlus
05-13-2004, 07:31 AM
when i clicked on the "beers" link, it just went to the main menu. i never did see any beers listed.

and i took the liberty to throw a simpsonism in there, McBain from the Radioactive Man episode

"These glasses do nothing, my eyes are burning"

berkshire_rider
05-13-2004, 07:35 AM
From the link, just "mouse-over" the kegs. :)

Tweek
05-13-2004, 07:50 AM
Originally posted by BarbaRosa
:eek:


what?


well, yes, a good bar-:monkey: can pour it jjuusstt right and even put a lucky charm/4 leaf clover IN THE SUDS

a moron rushes it and the Guiness tastes different. it must be poured slow to allow the CO2 to do its thing

what is the big deal? ... just a marketing thing really and it is darn good. when my nieghborhood pub sees me walk in, they pour one for me. can not beat the local establishments that way!

but, other dark beers are good to, but, Guiness and the CO2 is an old brew, is an Irish icon and thereby.... a marker of pride
Nitrogen, laddie. 'tis nitrogen, not CO2.
Oh, and as far as the question posed in this thread -- :stosh:
:)

llkoolkeg
05-13-2004, 08:00 AM
Originally posted by berkshire_rider
So, what I'm hearing is don't bother ordering Guiness unless I'm at an Irish pub? :confused:

I had 6 22oz-ers for happy hour yesterday at a TGI Fridays, so of course, it was not properly poured. Ya know what- I didn't give a $hit, 'cause it was on the boss's dime! :D

narlus
05-13-2004, 09:16 AM
hmm....i think i'll enjoy a properly poured pint o' the black in about, say 2 hours?

:D

btw, that whole cloverleaf imprint on top of the foam ritual doesn't fly over here either.

narlus
05-14-2004, 02:12 AM
those three pints sure were tasty.

:drool:

Capt. Jack Sparrow
05-14-2004, 10:32 AM
So Guinness is supposed to not be served warm, right? I've been to several "Irish pubs" in the D.C. area and have gotten cold, cold Guinnesses. Always through me for a loop.

Maybe this is a travesty... but opening the Guinness cans with that plastic ball in them is way fun!

berkshire_rider
05-14-2004, 11:48 AM
Oh, and as far as the question posed in this thread --

Whatever. Did you read the part of the thread where I said this:

This has also been my experience with Guinness. The 3 times I tried one it was very bitter, and not smooth at all.

If you tried a brand of beer that lots of people raved about and had 3 bad experiences at 3 different establishments, maybe you might not be so keen on it. :rolleyes:

BikeGeek
05-14-2004, 12:03 PM
Originally posted by narlus

btw, that whole cloverleaf imprint on top of the foam ritual doesn't fly over here either.

seriously, it's like: GET YOUR FINGER OUT OF MY BEER! :angry:

BikeGeek
05-14-2004, 12:10 PM
Originally posted by Tweek
Nitrogen, laddie. 'tis nitrogen, not CO2.
:)

You're both right, it's mixed gas. It contains both nitrogen and CO2. A bartender at one of Alexandria's pubs hooked me and my old roommate up with a tank and connections for a party several years ago. :thumb:

squirrelonabike
05-15-2004, 04:18 PM
Just a couple quick, cool facts.
did you know that you can float guinness ontop of just about any lite beer. You can win lots of free beer with that when someone starts whining about it being to thick.
Secondly guinness sponsored my mtn bike team! So any beer company that does that rules!!!!!!!!!!

BarbaRosa
05-21-2004, 04:00 PM
IT COMES IN PINTS!


nough said

Ciaran
05-29-2004, 12:27 PM
That smoooooth creamy goodness..... Ahhhhhh... Guinness....

Guinness is good for you...

I don't know really how to describe it... It's a beautiful thing.

I won't drink "beer" that is the same color as piss. It just aint right.

One of the nicest things about Guinness is when we go to a family event, no one touches my beer. They're all a bunch a yella beer drinkers.


A looong ride, followed by a nice smooth Guinness and a sweet sweet bowl... yes laddie, heaven really is here on earth.


Ciaran...

Tenchiro
05-29-2004, 12:40 PM
Personally I think Guiness is ok, but it is very mild. I prefer a nice smoky/sweet porter.

dirtyj
05-29-2004, 05:47 PM
Originally posted by Ciaran
That smoooooth creamy goodness..... Ahhhhhh... Guinness....

Guinness is good for you...

I don't know really how to describe it... It's a beautiful thing.

I won't drink "beer" that is the same color as piss. It just aint right.

One of the nicest things about Guinness is when we go to a family event, no one touches my beer. They're all a bunch a yella beer drinkers.


A looong ride, followed by a nice smooth Guinness and a sweet sweet bowl... yes laddie, heaven really is here on earth.

Ciaran...


I read in a mens weekly that dark beer is good for you. Especially after dinner. Something to do with it helping with the digestion.

BarbaRosa
05-29-2004, 06:17 PM
Originally posted by Tweek
Nitrogen, laddie. 'tis nitrogen, not CO2.
Oh, and as far as the question posed in this thread -- :stosh:
:)


you pointing fingers again there Tweek? .... gfaw, good thing i just had me pint and i dont giva hoot about what you point that thing at .... and the value of the thread.... Guiness and the Monkey are intertwined like a white tiger and her daddy

if it werent for the brown stuff the monkey man would have created something else... like a sewing class site or something....

so, let the pints flow, stop pointin unless it be at the barkeep to order the next round

;)