Drink #31 Guinness
3.9.2012
I get asked all the time, “So why did you wait until you were 35 until you started drinking?” And I smile and give the realist answer I can give–you can read about it here. It’s absolutely the truth, but dig a bit deeper and it’s far more complicated, while simultaneously far more boring.
What I should say is something the average person wouldn’t question nor deny. A lie within a truth : I’m half Irish, half Native American (with a dash of English/Scottish for good, pasty white measure). Questioners would just abruptly say something like “Oh man, yeah, that’s a few good reasons to avoid the sauce…”
Stereotypes are a terrible thing. Personally hate them. But there just happen to be two leading nationalities that are rarely revered for their sober antics–I just happen to be a little of each.
“Ben, that’s terrible! I am completely embarrassed for laughing as you should be for saying those things.”
Uh-huh.
Anyway, so much like I’ve never been in an Indian Casino, I’ve also never really been in an authentic Irish bar. That all changed last night.
Enter Hilarey, Brian and Nanny O'Briens Irish Pub in Cleveland Park. If you recall, I first met Hilarey on twitter and then in person with her fiance Brian at the Blue Banana during my Fat Tire adventure–she stopped me as I was walking out having recognized me from my drinking photos and following the blog online.
She was kind enough to invite me out to Nanny O'Briens–a bar managed by Brian–for a new firstdrink and to hang out for the evening.
Nanny O'Briens is impressive in it’s authentic feel, striking woodwork and friendly staff. They have a bevy of great beers & drinks–Irish and otherwise–and a tasty, full menu. Oh, and I had been told that they were well known for pouring the perfect Guinness on tap. So, when in Ireland Rome.
Apparently storing, pouring and tapping Guinness is equal parts dedicated art and science. Brian explained to Joe and I much of the science behind storing and pouring a proper Guinness and then showcased his artistic talent in pouring us the perfect pints.
I mean look, I might be a alcohol virgin, but I know good foamy head when I see it. On a beer, that is (Hi, Mom!).
The flavor of the Guinness was a surprise. By the looks of it, I expected it to be thick, sorta syrupy. But it wasn’t. It was rich, dark, slightly dry. It had these unique watery burnt coffee notes, burnt dark toast–more dark caramelized flavor than say charcoal.
It’s kind of a milky drink, but still thin and devoid of any real sweetness, slightly bitter with a toasty nutty finish. Ok, now work with me, but if you were to take the sugar out of a flat cola and keep the rich caramelized flavor and just slightly burn it? That’s what it kinda tasted like, with a beer overtone. But in a nice way.
Outside of that, it’s not a very complicated set of flavors. And as the drink warmed, it became more nutty, more bitter, a touch more hoppy. It was a far better drink in the first 20 minutes than the last 10.
I’m not going to lie, I wanted something more from it. I think it was a bit hard to separate my expectations from my experience. That isn’t to say I didn’t enjoy the Guinness, but it left me wanting a bit. I think I thought it would blow my doors off a bit, be richer, fuller. But it was still pretty damn good.
Joe thoroughly enjoyed his two pints as well, having not had a Guinness in about 10 years and not having fond memories prior.
So I did like it. I do appreciate it. And I will be bombing it sometimes soon with some Bailey’s and Jameson. Don’t you worry.
So the Guinness was great, but the company was even better. Hilarey was a ton of fun, had all sorts of great DC insights and some amazing drink and restaurant suggestions. We were also joined by her good friend Ginny–who was also a lot of fun and shared some funny stories and cool DC haunts to visit.
And of course Brian was great, playing host to us and bartender to the entire bar. The whole evening: bar, company and firstdrink were pretty damn great. You know it’s a good night when the conversation never dies and the drinks keep flowing.
But all in all, I not only discovered a new beer, we made some great new friends.
Ah, my Irish eyes are smiling. My Native American heart however, wants you off his land. But that’s another post for another day, perhaps.
Cheers, Ben
PS: HUGE thanks to Hilarey, Brian and Nanny O'Briens for the drinks and hospitality! I owe you all tenfold. And seriously, if you’re in DC and looking for a proper Guinness pour, run, don’t walk to Nanny O'Briens in Cleveland Park.
PPS: Another firstdrink tonight during a dinner party at Cava Mezze on Barracks Row and then Joe and I take Sunday off to rest and detox.