The Global Thirst

Beer is the universal watering can; nurturing the roots of cultures across the world since the receding of the last ice age. It was praised in ancient civilizations as “what the mouth desires” and the brewing and drinking of beer is highlighted in numerous mythologies. Today, beer is the flavor of our cultures; from the classic pub scene to Octoberfest celebrations to the craft craze. You get a taste of the society by simply “crackin’ a cold one”. 

Beer Abroad, Friends Abroad

  

I’ve just returned from the land of green hills and cliffs, island of endless sheep and the home of Guinness! I was fortunate to have Ireland’s best tour guide who educated us on Ireland and Irish history but, most importantly, welcomed us to the world of Irish Pubs and those who drink there. 

When in Ireland, drink a Stout

It was quaint, yet booming with personality. There was ebb and flow of heavy laughter with the occasional insult and the lull of the drinkers focused on the goodness of their beverage. 

 

Upon entry to a pub it was easy to tell what was a tourist “hot spot” and what was a local drinking hole. The beer experience at The Brazen Head (the supposed oldest pub in Ireland) was disconnected from the “Irish pub culture” due to the influx of tourists. Everything was busy and the familiarity among the patrons was low. 

 

The Brazen Head in Dublin

The local pub is where you find the character of Ireland. Our first official pub stop was at a place called J. Grogan’s Castle Lounge. It was quiet, everyone around us was drinking pints to their own business and our guide was showing us the collection of local paintings (his own work included) that covered the walls. The owner of the bar was sitting in the corner with other well-known artists of the city and upon his recognition of our guide, boisterous greetings and introductions shook up the lounge-like atmosphere. 

J. Grogan Dublin

It felt like a homecoming; everyone seemed to be excited to see everyone else, even those that didn’t know each other. While sipping our ales, other eccentric patrons were pointed out to us and the white noise of the owner conducting his daily business of jolly conversations and snapping orders created a richened ambiance of that which is “the Irish Pub”. 

We had the pleasure of the owner’s company for half of our beer. He was genuinely interested about who we were and where we came from as if it were pertinent information to add to the painting of this pub’s story. It made me feel a part of the bar, a part of the culture and was a reflection on Irish hospitality. 

Beer on the Bar

The whole pub scene was so stereotypical in all the best ways, including the obnoxious drunk guy provoking “playful” banter and the couple “exotically” dancing (who would be fighting hours later) in an empty and local, to the point of unnerving, tavern.  

Guinness was often the beer of choice due to its freshness that delivered a sweeter and thicker sensation to your palate, and the purest foam beer enthusiasts pine for was incomparable to any pint served in the USA, but another favorite were the ales. Many that we had were richer in taste with a distinction between the malt and desired flavor, aside from one unfortunate purchase that tasted like Budweiser. Of course there are good beers and bad beers all over the world, but the taste of Ireland seems to rest in the stout and the ale (I’m sure that is not shocking). 

Head Perfection

Despite the variety of environments and personalities, local or larger, each establishment was grounded around a common interest: the heavy wooden bar and the beer that lived on it. 

A beer lover’s Irish experience is moot unless they take the pilgrimage to the god that is Guinness. We spent an evening at the Open Gate Brewery which is Guinness’ experimental tap room, tasting and talking beer in the glorious rays of their brew house. Managers and brewers were around the tap room for an open and casual Q&A about the beers and how they are made. The Guinness name is branded by their gold harp and dark stout so it was refreshing to experience the name of “Guinness” at its full capacity. 

Beer tasting at Guinness

 

As good as the Guinness was and while I was enjoying all Ireland had to offer, beer and otherwise, I had to share the taste of my life with Ireland. It is a common interest that makes a conversation of cultures rather than a lecture of a single one. Yes, I am that person that packed beers to Ireland. 

The Irish meets Odell

In a world where information is easily accessible through social media and the almost infinite library of Google the care to “connect” to other places on a human level is fading. There is a gap that Google can’t fill and a void that sits between the tour bus and the town. On the bar stool and at the bottom of the pint glass is one place where you really connect to the identity of each town and the unique culture it offers.  

Odell Abroad

Share the flavor of your culture with others and never pass the chance to taste new ones. Hop on this keg train my pint people; life is a great adventure but without proper hydration your soul will be too parched to enjoy every last drop.

Cheers!

Ireland meets Tabernash