Guinness

Up until a few years ago, Guinness was my beer.  If I went out somewhere and they served Guinness, I wouldn't even think about having anything else.  I think in some strange way, I felt proud that I liked such a dark beer -- me, a chick, liked a "better" beer than all those suckers guzzling their Bud Light.  And then I discovered that there was really a lot more to beer than branding.

There are few bars or restaurants around here that serve any real selection, so I'm often stuck with very few choices.  Those choices usually include Miller Lite, Coors Light, Bud Light, Yuengling, Sam Adams Lager and seasonal, and maybe Shock Top.  Pretty slim pickin's for a beer lover such as myself.  There is, however, one local place that serves Guinness (sadly from a can), so when we went there to eat the other night, I got a pint of my old standby.  Unfortunately, my phone was about dead, so I was unable to get a picture to post.

I've always loved Guinness's appearance, with the rich, dark body and the creamy off-white head.  I especially love watching the bubbles fall.  Guinness is not the only beer with "falling" bubbles.  It's just the most well-known example.  I give Guinness a 10/10 on appearance any day, especially if served on tap.

The aroma is pretty faint and is mostly of roasted malt, with some subtle nutty tones.  You can smell the malt more than the hops.  22/30 for aroma.

The roasted malt flavors come through, as does a fair amount of bitterness and something like burnt toast.  The nutty hints are also present, but seem more sedate in this particular pint than I remember them being.  However, if I am being honest, it isn't as full-bodied as I'd like it to be or as I'd expect it to be.  And I'm not referring just to this particular pint -- I've always thought Guinness tasted a little thin up front, and that it left a stronger taste afterwards.  It did pair well with the cheese steak I had for dinner, though.  33/40 for taste

I really don't understand where people get the idea that Guinness has to be "chewed" like liquid bread.  As I said above, it feels thin and watery, not bready or full-bodied.  6/10 for mouthfeel

Despite the thin/watery taste and mouthfeel, I do constantly return to Guinness, and I think it's more than the brand or nostalgia.  I really do just enjoy this beer, even though it isn't what I would consider the "ideal" Irish Stout.  The off-white-on-black appearance, the toasty aroma, flavors of the malt and the bitterness, and the lingering aftertaste all contribute to the Guinness experience.  Some beers you drink just to have a drink, but that's not the case with Guinness.  Not for me, at least.  I do enjoy a good Guinness.  8/10 for drinkability.

Overall, that sums to 79/100.  So far, my rubric seems to be holding up, but two data points does not a pattern make.  While Guinness has dropped a few notches since my awakening as a beer nut, it will always hold a special place in my heart (and my stock).  In some ways, it's a cultural symbol for me, what with the iconic Guinness posters and ads.  I even have an Irish flag with the Guinness toucan and a soccer ball.  It hasn't actually seen the light of day since it served as a door in my college days, but when I build my basement bar, it'll be a fixture.

Ní neart go Guinness!