When in Cork...

The countdown to the wedding is on... Home will be in Cork and that's where we find ourselves. Cork identity is a big thing. There's shirts and magnets showing county Cork and the rest of the island labelled as "Not Cork". There are others declaring "Cork. Ireland's Real Capital" and then there is Beamish and Murphy's – proud stouts from Cork. Many a pub displays these signs in front of, or even instead of Guinness. You can still order Guinness, but many a bartender will urge you to reconsider.

Being a mostly agreeable traveler, I will opt for one of the other pints from time to time, after all "When in Cork..."

And so, here are my thoughts comparing the three, my thoughts provided in the spirit they are offered.

Beamish – A Cork Original

Beamish Stout, originally Beamish and Crawford began it's story in 1792 in Cork. During the early 1800s it was producing over 100,000 barrels a year and was the largest brewery in Ireland. Now owned by Heineken, the original brewery location has closed but the beer is still made in Cork in a Heineken facility.

The other day, while in Cork, we stopped for a late lunch at the Oliver Plunkett. I ordered a Beamish for the first round.

The pour was perfect, the head inviting, if a bit on the short side compared to what I'd see on a Guinness. The complexion of the pour was dark, as if hiding a complex concoction within. As I took my first sip I took a gulp, biting into the foam and reaching the liquid below. I'd describe it's texture as watered down, no real creaminess. It was light, much lighter than a Guinness. It's flavor too, while slightly bitter was much milder than it's cousin from Dublin.

I would characterize Beamish as a refreshing stout. I'd have it again, but I did order a Guinness for the second round.

Murphy's – A Complex Pint

Murphy's Irish Stout was primarily a regional producer of stout until the 1980s when it too was purchased by Heineken (who still owns it today). Since then it has grown to international acclaim as an alternative to Guinness and with it's offerings of cans containing the "widget" has gained a healthy following.

Yesterday, we met Barry and and wife Brigid for lunch at the White Horse in Ballincollig and I went with Murphy's, or "Murph's" as our server confirmed excitedly when I ordered. It arrived just as proudly as the Beamish but as it was still settling it was not as black as the previous day's pint. But once it settled the head was glorious, about an inch. Mind you, a Guinness with a head that tall is not quite right, but it felt perfect on this pint. The sip was creamy and complex in flavor. It's sweeter, slightly bitter and a hint of dark chocolate emanates as it is enjoyed.

I would say that Murphy's is a beer drinker's stout. It has a lot going on between flavor, cream and head. I actually had a second and skipped the Guinness altogether at this meal.

Guinness – Still The One

I truly enjoyed both Beamish and Murphy's. If I had to pick one over the other, I'd be more apt to go for the latter in a head-to-head, but I would still choose Guinness first. The pour, the settle, the flavor, the texture, the cream, the head, it all just falls into place.

Settle in. THIS pint won't drink itself.