Ireland: Stout Country

Although the country sports a handful of microbreweries, it cannot be said that one goes to Ireland to discover diversity in brewing styles. This is not to say Ireland does not produce noteworthy beer—especially if one likes dry stout, Guinness in particular. Guinness is brewed in a number of places around the world, but most Guinness exported to the U.S. market originate from the St. James Gate brewery in Dublin. Of course, this beer is even more creamy and flavorful when found directly in Irish pubs. Bottle-conditioned Guinness is available in the U.S., as are “widget” cans. Other popular Irish stouts available in the U.S. markets are Murphy’s, made by the Lady’s Well Brewery in Cork, and Beamish, made by Newcastle.