GREEN BEER ANYONE?

I know it’s cheesy but in honor of St. Patrick’s Day I wanted to write a wee compilation of facts and information regarding Irish brews and spirits. Every year at this time approximately 13 million pints of Guinness are consumed worldwide with the United States contributing 3.5 million. But it wasn’t until recently that the Irish were allowed to purchase alcohol or drink at pubs on St. Patty’s, not until 1960 and 1988 to be exact. (On a side note, my only trip to Ireland was in college during Easter weekend, and for the record, they still don’t sell alcohol during that time. So much for living large in the Emerald Isle.) Furthermore, the Guinness brewery in Dublin has a remaining 8,754 years left on their lease which was signed by Arthur Guinness in 1759. Guinness and Smithwick’s Brewmaster, Fergal Murray, has been working for the company since 1995 and acquired his Master Brewer degree from the Institute of Brewing in London.

Bailey’s is introducing two new flavors for St. Patrick’s Day, Baileys Caramel and Baileys Mint Chocolate after their Arizona rollout in December. The flavors will be offered for a limited time at grocery, liquor, club and drug stores in 750 ml bottles for $18.99. Baileys was launched in Ireland in 1974 and is currently the number one selling liqueur worldwide. Furthermore, Baileys is rated 6th among all distilled spirits in the world.