Guiness is what is called a Dry Stout(sometimes aka as an Irish Stout). Over the decades its character has changed. Today's version certainly has less body. Original gravities are low for this style, and the fermentation leads to a really dry finish which orginally was intended to excentuate the bitterness of the roasted malts. But what really distinguishes Guiness from its competitors is the tanginess of the brew. The brewers achieve this by adding a small amount of malt vinegar to thier extract. Yes, vinegar!

Personally, I prefer the Guiness Foreign Extra Stout, which has a fuller body, more bitterness, and is a bit less dry. Guiness should also be recognized as the first brewer to dispense nitro into thier beer in order to aide head retention.

Unfortunately, Guiness sales have plummeted in the UK by over 10% in recent years. I don't know if this has much to with the new beer taxes, or just a drop off in beer consumption over all. But the US is the number one consumer of this infamous stout -no surprise there.

Perhaps we can also talk about why we hate google - no Irish celebrations for them. The "Saint" part probably had them screaming like they had been dipped in hellfire. They should probably get used to it now...

The difference between a Guinness at St. James Gate and anywhere else in Ireland is perceptible but not drastic.
A pint drawn in the U.S. versus one in Ireland is like comparing fish sticks to fresh walleye. Given that
2/3 of Guinness production is exported, management would be well served to consider brewing in the States.

BrandingIron5, quality varies for many reasons. I've had lousy pints in Ireland; just had a lovely pint in San Francisco. A big factor, according to my brother-in-law (a former barman from Limerick), is how often & thoroughly your pub cleans its lines. If it's brewed in Dublin, though, it should be good. One of the keys is the water supply to St. James Gate.

Still, I think we can all agree with Eamon Morrissey -- ! pint of plain is yer only man!
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So, I'm left out of this conversation. I don't drink alcoholic beverages. Couldn't they have, at least, included O'Doul's in the survey?

One good thing about Guinness it is served cold in pubs in Wales.
However, when I was in Wales enjoying Guinness, I was told it would be even better in Ireland. They said it didn't travel well. I disagree, in fact the fresher Dublin Guinness was to me a bit salty and bitter. In fact it travels very well.

Cheers Matthew Calvey! On top of its magical ability to transport the drinker to another place and time, Guinness makes one stronger as well.

When money's tight and hard to get

and you horse has also ran.

When all you have is a heap of debt,

a pint of plain is your only man!

-Flann O'Brien

Friends,

In tribute to a very fine and selfless priest, Father Michael P. Scott, who devoted his life to serving others, thank you for including in your article that first all important sentence. As Father Scott reminded his flock every year on March 17, St. Patrick was a man of penance. Enjoy your stout and the beautiful day.

St. Patrick’s Breastplate

I arise today through
God’s strength to pilot me,
God’s might to uphold me,
God’s wisdom to guide me,
God’s eye to see before me,
God’s ear to hear me,
God’s word to speak for me,
God’s hand to guard me,
God’s way to lie before me,
God’s shield to protect me…