After such an exciting week spent in the Motherland of my ancestors, it was time to get away from the Irish beers and settle into something else. I didn't venture too far. My brain went back to mainland Europe to Holland where there is a very well known lager that almost all of us have had at one time or another.
When I was in Ireland, I noticed that the people who were my age often didn't stick to Irish beer. So many of them reached for a Heineken when they got the chance which surprised me. One I returned to the United States, I figured that I would do the same.
A Bottle of Heineken
The first thing I notice when I open the bottle is that the scent isn't the most appealing, in my opinion at least. I'm not sure if it has to do with the greenness of the bottle or the way the beer is made but Heineken tends to have a much "skunkier" scent as compared to other beers. I never let the scent stop me, however, and I unhesitantly gave it a few sips.
Heineken is crisp and easy to drink. I have to admit that at the very least. After having Heineken for the first time in a while, I was a bit under impressed. I was surprised that while I was in Ireland, so many people gravitated towards Heineken instead of some of the delicious Irish lagers. With that said, everyone is entitled to their opinion. It wouldn't be popular if no one preferred it.
There is a light bitterness to the lager that I do enjoy. This definitely isn't the last time I will have a Heineken. It probably won't be something I pick up unless the options are limited, but I did enjoy it going down.
It has been a little longer than usual since I have posted on this blog and boy do I have a good explanation. I spent my entire fall break travelling to different locations in Ireland. With some of the most beautiful views I've ever seen, I took a well deserved break from the world and experienced the wonderful towns, restaurants, people, and beer.
Although not all the beers I was enjoying were lagers, I think it's okay to break my original topic, just this once.
My first trip to Ireland was last year in June of 2018. It was my first time in Ireland, so I of course wanted to partake in going to the Guinness Storehouse in Dublin and then the Smithwick's Experience in Kilkenny City. I enjoyed both of them very much but this time, I leaned more towards Smithwick's Red Ale. I find it fairly light, but with a nice flavor and balance. I can easily drink them down and have a good time.
When we got to Cork later in the week, it was time to try the Stout that they're known for: Murphy's. The first sit was delicious. It was just as beautiful to watch settle as Guinness with the labeled pint glass. As much as I enjoyed the Murphy's and as much as the people in Cork prefer it over Guinness, I have to respectfully disagree. It had a great, full bodied flavor but an aftertaste that I did not prefer very much.
Another beer I was introduced to was Rockshore Irish Lager, which, obviously, is a lager. Although it didn't seem much different to the lagers that you find around here, it was very easy going down, with a smooth, crisp flavor that made you want to refill your glass.
Overall, my trip to Ireland was amazing and I can't wait till next time. To anyone who is planning a trip, don't forget to include these beers somewhere in your travels!
