Elevate Your St. Patrick’s Day: Perfect Foods to Pair with Guinness

Elevate Your St. Patrick’s Day: Perfect Foods to Pair with Guinness

As Americans engage in various celebrations for St. Patrick’s Day, the consumption of Guinness is anticipated to surge. This popular Irish stout has become synonymous with the festivities, drawing in both avid fans and newcomers alike.

Arthur Guinness, the brewing icon, began crafting ales in Dublin, Ireland, back in 1759. A decade later, he exported his first barrel, long before St. Patrick’s Day was officially recognized as a public holiday in Ireland in 1903. Interestingly, the inaugural state-sponsored parade did not occur in Dublin until 1931.

Contrarily, St. Patrick’s Day has a different history in the United States. The first parade took place in New York City on March 17, 1762, a full 14 years before the Declaration of Independence was signed.

Today, as the global love for Guinness flourishes, over 13 million pints are consumed around the world on this festive day, according to WalletHub. In the last year, Guinness emerged as the fastest-growing imported beer in the United States, reaching record sales, according to the brewery based in Dublin.

The Uniqueness of Guinness in America

Many might be unaware of Guinness’s strong presence in the United States. Apart from Ireland, Baltimore is home to the only other Guinness brewery, known for its Guinness Baltimore Blonde. Additionally, a new brewery opened in Chicago in 2023, further solidifying the brand’s footprint in America.

What to Pair with Your Guinness

As St. Patrick’s Day arrives, traditional dishes such as shepherd’s pie and corned beef with cabbage take center stage. However, the question arises of which foods pair best with the dry Irish stout. To uncover some of the best pairings, Fox News Digital consulted Colm O’Connor, a brewery ambassador at the Guinness Storehouse in Dublin, which is marking its 25th anniversary.

O’Connor enthusiastically recommends pairing Guinness with a classic dish: “You can’t beat a Guinness stew, to be honest with you.” This traditional recipe often utilizes Guinness as a marinating base for beef or lamb, making it a staple for many. He notes that beef pairs particularly well with the stout.

In addition to stew, O’Connor highlights another popular combination: Guinness and oysters. Although many appreciate this pairing, O’Connor notes that enthusiasts often wonder about the reasoning behind it.

The Science Behind Pairing

The reason behind this delicious combination lies in the nature of Guinness as a dry Irish stout. Stouts are characterized by their use of roasted malted barley, which imparts distinct color and flavor. Dry Irish stouts represent a specialized category of this beer type, brewed with unmalted roasted barley, resulting in a unique taste experience.

O’Connor explains that roasted malted barley provides sweetness in flavor, contrasting with the boldness of the dry Irish stout. This results in three core flavor profiles: sweetness, roastiness, and a subtle hint of coffee. The presence of hops adds a contrasting note, and as the hoppy flavor wanes, the drinker’s palate is left refreshed with a gentle dryness.

This dryness makes Guinness a versatile partner for cheeses, meats, and even baked goods. O’Connor articulates, “Essentially, it renews your palate,” paralleling the concept of pairing dry champagne with oysters or a crisp white wine with seafood. This principle stands true across various culinary experiences, providing a delightful match every time.

Creative Culinary Uses for Guinness

O’Connor is not just a fan of drinking Guinness; he enjoys cooking with it as well. He suggests utilizing the stout in traditional Irish soda bread, but he also encourages creativity by incorporating it into rye sourdough bread with toasted sunflower seeds for a unique twist.

Moreover, O’Connor shares that Guinness can also shine in dessert recipes. Some have gone so far as to concoct Guinness caramel ice cream floats, an innovative way to integrate the stout into sweet treats.

Let the Celebrations Begin

This St. Patrick’s Day, as you raise your pint of Guinness amidst the celebrations, consider the accompanying dishes that can elevate your experience. Whether diving into a hearty stew, savoring fresh oysters, or experimenting with Guinness in your cooking, the rich flavors of the stout can enhance your culinary delights.

Embrace the spirit of the holiday by exploring these delicious pairings and celebrating Irish heritage. Enjoying a cold pint of Guinness brings people together, making every St. Patrick’s Day a memorable occasion filled with flavor and fun.