Guinness Nitro IPA : About 20 years ago, when I was in college my roommates and I turned 21. Every Thursday night we would head into the city and go to our favorite Irish pub Murphs. You know the place because you had the same Irish pub in our neighborhood. I might have been called O’Gradys, O’Sheas, or Mulligans but they were the same: crowded, great music, and Guinness. The thick dark beer with the smooth finish.
This past week I was taken back to a those college time, in a new way. My husband and I were invited to attended a dinner event for the new Guinness Nitro IPA. It was an event my husband jumped at going too because Guinness is his favorite draught. We could not wait to learn about the new IPA.
Before I get into the Guinness event –
What is a IPA?
It stands for India Pale Ale. The pronounced and unique flavor profile of IPA allows for a better understanding of brewing beer in general as hops and malts are often identified individually. (as defined from IPAbeer.com)
The Event was helds at Vesper a new renovated bar of years gone a formers mens drinking club, with a speakeasy in the basement. We entered using a special “secret” password, I could tell you but you know I would have too…. Guinness flew in Domhnall Marnell he is a Guinness Beer Ambassador to educated us on the the new brew. He really has a cool job talking about beer all day, fun right? He is paid to talking about beer something that makes people happy. LUCKY
What we learned :
Guinness™ Nitro IPA
What It Is: Guinness™ Nitro IPA is a hop-forward India Pale Ale with familiar Guinness traits like a creamy mouthfeel and thick head. Strong flavor coming from five different hop varieties is balanced and rounded out nicely by the nitrogenation of the beer. The nitrogenation also creates the signature surge and settle made famous by Guinness™ Draught. A rich, golden honey color comes from the roasting of premium barley.
The beer is brewed in Dublin at St. James’s Gate’s Brewhouse No. 4 (only the fourth brewhouse in the 256 year history of Guinness) and was developed by The Brewers Project – a small group of Guinness brewers charged with exploring, inventing and perfecting new beers. Guinness™ Nitro IPA will be available in the U.S. nationwide this fall.
Appearance: Golden honey color derived from the roasting of premium grade barley is revealed after the trademark Guinness surge and settle effect
Ingredients:
• Malt: Premium roasted barley & golden ale Malt
• Yeast: The same yeast famously used in Guinness™ Draught
• Bittering Hops: Admiral hops are added in the kettle to give it a subtle bitterness
• Aroma Hops:
o Topaz and Celeia hops in the whirlpool enrich the hoppy aroma
o Challenger, Cascade and Topaz hops are dry hopped late in the process to elevate the hoppy, citrus aromas
ABV/Bitterness/Color: 5.8% ABV; IBU 44; EBC 25
Format: Six-pack of 11.2 oz. cans, 13.2G keg
Calories: 154 calories per 11.2 fl oz. can
Serve: Best enjoyed straight from the can or served from the tap in a Guinness Gravity glass
• Can: Straight pour into a Guinness Gravity Glass
• Draft: Traditional two-part pour using a Guinness Gravity Glass
Tasting Notes:
Traditional style IPA with hop forward flavors infused with nitrogen for a smooth, balanced finish.
• Aroma: A tangy citrus peel over gentle pine notes. Guinness yeast esters provide a distinct mineral edge.
• Flavor: Slight hop profile and subtle bitterness that doesn’t linger long on the palate; perfectly balanced
• Mouth-feel: Smooth, creamy and rich – as a result of being infused with nitrogen – with a pleasant bitter finish
The best way to pour the Guinness Nitro IPA Is to open the can wait 5-10 second for the Nitro to blend then pour at a 45 degree angle, for the perfect head on your beer.
Availability: Guinness™ Nitro IPA is available on shelves nationwide beginning in September 2015 and on tap in select bars across the U.S.
The new Guinness Nitro IPA is Guinness answer to the Americans love of IPAs but still true to the Guinness lovers smooth finish. My husband who in the past preferred a stout loves the new IPA it is lighter but very smooth like the Guinness he has always enjoyed.
The IPA was paired with some amazing food, There was a Beef Filet, Crab Cake, and a wonderful Caesar Salad. The food was lovely and married cleanly without weighing the meal down.
Disclosure: I was hosted by Guinness for this meal and the opportunity to try the new Guinness Nitro IPA.