INTOXICANTS

Last week we were up in Scotland sippin' a single malt - this week, we move just a little  south to the land of shamrocks and barley fields.  "Why barley fields," you say?  Read on.

Ireland is a place with its own drinking character (and many characters who drink).  Possessed of both distinctive whiskey and beer - this week we dwell on the barley brew.

Guinness is the king of beers in Ireland.  It may be the world's most iconic beer; there is none quite like it.  It is rich and creamy, black as black could be, velvety smooth and mysteriously both bitter and sweet.  When poured properly in a tall glass, a thick white foam lays atop the black caramel - almost coffee flavored - liquid.  (My mouth is watering right now.) 

Arthur Guinness was born in County Kildare in 1725.  In 1752, when he was 27, he inherited a little money from his grandfather and set up an ale brewery in his hometown.  When he was 34, he decided to try his luck in the 'big city' of Dublin.  He found some run down property to set up his brewery there.  He signed a 9,000 year lease.  That's not a typo - nine thousand years.  There was a man sure he was going to make it big.  

In 10 years, he was exporting barrels of his beer by ocean ship.  Thirty years after that, now 1799, Guinness decides to switch from the ale he was making and start with a new black beer called porter.  This porter is not the dark Guinness Draught you see today.  That brew was only perfected in 1959.  

Arthur died in 1803 and the brewery was taken over by his son, Arthur II.  Through the years, a Guinness has always been in charge.  The property that Arthur leased in 1759 is called St. James Gate.  The building was expanded and still stands.  The 7-story structure is now used as a warehouse and interactive museum.  I have had the honor of touring it and will never forget.
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