Does Guinness Beer Taste Better In Ireland? Here's What You Should Know - Tasting Table

"Growing up in Ireland, you either start out as a Guinness drinker or learn to like it over time. My experience was the latter, and I can pinpoint the moment my taste changed. It was during a visit to the Guinness Storehouse in my early 20s. "This is the best Guinness you'll ever have," I was told. They were right. People have declared that Guinness tastes better in Ireland, and after years in the U.S., I'm sorry to tell you it's true."

"In fact, researchers from the Institute of Food Technologists even put the theory to the test, traveling the world to study the enjoyment of Guinness in various countries, and Ireland won out by a long shot. This comes down to a few factors. The first being that in Ireland, you're close to the source. Dublin is home to the iconic St. James' Gate Brewery, the heart of Guinness since 1759."

"As Guinness Brewery Ambassador Colm O'Connor told The Takeout, the Guinness sold in America goes through hundreds of checks to ensure it tastes the same, but the best time to drink beer is right at the end of the brewing cycle. There are some Guinness beers that are made in the U.S., but if you want a fresh pint of the classic stout, you need to head to Ireland."

"The other big reason that Guinness tastes better in Ireland is that its people know how to care for it. We joke at home that you know a pub will serve a good pint based on the smell of the room - a smaller space means shorter beer lines, which some believe leads to a fresher tasting pint and a more balanced pressure system. Shorter lines or not, they need to be clean, just like the glass the Guinness is served in."

Guinness is widely perceived to taste better in Ireland because of freshness and local serving practices. Researchers from the Institute of Food Technologists tested enjoyment worldwide and ranked Ireland highest. Dublin's St. James' Gate Brewery, established in 1759, remains the heart of Guinness production and sets the standard, though 18 breweries operate globally. Guinness sold in America undergoes hundreds of checks to match taste, but the freshest pints are available near the end of the brewing cycle at the source. Irish pubs prioritize clean glasses, balanced pressure, shorter lines, and Guinness conducts quality-control visits to maintain serving standards.

Read at Tasting Table