The Guinness Conundrum

I had a Twitter conversation a good while back about the status of Guinness both here in the states and across the pond with Boak & Bailey's Beer Blog. I was surprised to find out there was such disdain for Guinness in England. An other post by that blog explained the subject a bit more yesterday.

As time has gone on, I've discovered that there are a good number of foreign import beers that are pretty much sold here in the states simply because they're kind of shunned in England beer circles.

I never thought such disdain for Guinness was possible since it comes off, to me at least, somewhat popular in this country. I see it in pretty much every pub I frequent around Pittsburgh. Even in places that refuse to put the likes of AB-InBev/Miller-Coors on tap. I've heard about Guinness toast parties being put together everywhere.

My companion, Beer Snob Sr. even spoke of his affinity for Guinness while being in England during a portion of the 1990's. An affinity he holds to this day. He has a Guinness pint glass he stole from an English pub and clings to. Maybe he just ran into one of the crappier pubs while he was over there?

I'm just curious as to what others around this area feel towards Guinness. I've never claimed to be some beer expert and this is yet another instance of such. If Guinness is frowned up in this country as it apparently is over in England, have I been missing out? Is this just a case of Guinness Ireland including America in its market simply because a good number of us still consume a ton of bad beer, even with the craft boom going on? I'd love your input. This is a fascinating subject.

I know one thing for sure. If I ever get to England, I'll bet the farm that I won't find Miller Lite on draft.

Celebrate Freedom: Drink Local

To many, the best way to celebrate the Fourth of July is to invite over some friends, fire up the grill and pop a few beers. So, if you're a fan of craft beer it's a good idea tomorrow to try and drink good beer from your local brewers.

I know that some of the liquor laws here in Pennsylvania are among the most ancient in all of America, but there has appeared to be a light at the end of some of those tunnels over the past two years. We aren't there yet, but for this state it's definitely progress.

Your local brewers exemplify what freedom and independence is all about. They put more into their products than what the American majors do. Despite what your television will tell you during commercial breaks all day, knocking back an ice cold Budweiser or Coors Light isn't exactly the American way anymore.

Other than that, there's nothing more American than watching the Ghostbusters make the Statue of Liberty walk through New York Harbor