Many people like to think of the Irish, as drunks, and have a stereotypical view that we simply drink a lot. There are various reasons why people tend to think this, but we like to think it’s down to the fact that Ireland produces some of the finest stouts, craft beer, and whiskeys than anywhere else in the world.
Sorry Scotland, you guys come in a very close second.
So let’s look at why Ireland is famous for its drink but also its pub culture.
Drinks Produced in Ireland
Guinness Irish stout is good for you.
Mention the drink Guinness, and people automatically think of Ireland or the Irish. Not surprising we've become famous for the brand. Guinness has been produced in Ireland since 1759 by Arthur Guinness and can be found in pubs around the globe.
Although Guinness is very popular, with its black body, and white head, served in the famous branded pint glass, it does take an acquired taste to drink a full pint of the black stuff. Guinness is a heavy drink and those who drink several pints in one sitting know only too well what the next day will bring.
In Ireland, Guinness was touted as being good for you due to their famous marketing slogan. Many believed it was a great source of Iron so it wasn't unheard of to be prescribed by a doctor to treat someone with Iron deficiency. By 2010 Guinness announced they would no longer promote "Guinness is good for you" and stated, "We no longer want to promote alcohol as a medicine or to imply it can be used as a treatment or a cure".
Irish whiskey at its best
Irish whiskey is probably the best and finest whiskey one can find. To distil Irish Whiskey is an art and a labour of love but how its distilled and even the age of the wooden barrels makes it the best Whiskey you can get.
Some of the best Irish whiskeys that are more popular would be Bushmills whiskey, Jameson whiskey, and Tullamore Dew (a personal favorite) that can be found in every pub in Ireland. You can get very creative in using various whiskeys to make the likes of Chocolate Whiskey Truffles or even the popular Irish Whiskey (Hot Toddy) ,great for curing a common cold or the flu!
Irish Poitín - grow hairs on your chest!
Another popular drink in Ireland, is our own version of moonshine called Poitín. Once deemed illegal to distil, it was produced in some of the most remote places in Ireland. Poitín was considered the devils drink, so potent it could drive anyone crazy or even blind. It was commonly served at weddings, funerals, and birthdays. People who suffered with arthritis would also get some pain relief by rubbing Poitín on their skin, a practice still done today.
Although illegal versions of Poitín is distilled to this day, companies can obtain a license to ensure its made legally per Irish law. According to the Irish State, the production of Irish Poteen must take place in four stages, brewing, fermentation, distillation and bottling. All stages, other than bottling, must take place on the same site.
What’s so special about an Irish Pub?
Irish pubs have a famous reputation, not just for serving fine drinks as mentioned above, or for serving great traditional food, or having great music. They're a place that are more than welcoming to any stranger and with many of the locals more than happy to spin a yarn on local folklore stories.
You'll also find Irish music enthusiasts having a pub session, this is when they play traditional Irish music and do so free of charge. Many pub owners will return the favor by providing free drinks for the musicians. Read more about pubs in Ireland and learn why they are so appealing to visitors that to Ireland to seek out we these places are so famous.
