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Guide to Irish Beers and Drinks

Ireland is famous for many things—sports, literature, music, cuisine—but perhaps the thing we’re most famous for is our proud tradition of making the finest beers and spirits in the world. At Flaherty’s Irish Bar in Barcelona, we pride ourselves on providing our customers with a wide variety of beverages. Located in the heart of the Catalan capital, for years we’ve been a hub for all things Irish, where ex-pats and locals alike come to unwind in our unique atmosphere! So let’s take a journey through the best Irish beverages!

Typical Irish Beers

Stout

Perhaps the beer that Ireland is most renowned for is stout. Black in colour, with a signature creamy white head, this style of beer is made with four simple ingredients: water, barley, hops, and yeast. Stout is smooth in texture and sweet and malty in flavor. Undoubtedly, the most famous producer of stout in the world is Guinness. Founded in 1759, the Guinness Brewery is synonymous with Dublin and is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe. At Flaherty’s, we serve the best Guinness in Barcelona, and all of our staff have been trained in the art of the two-part pour.

Ales 

Similar to stouts, Irish ales are smooth in texture but with a lighter texture and a slightly more bitter taste. Made with malted barley and brewer’s yeast, the most common varieties in Ireland are red and brown. At Flaherty’s, we serve Murphy’s Red Ale, which hails from the rebel county of Cork, as well as Five Lamps Red Ale, which is a new and exciting ale hailing from the capital (for people living outside of Cork, this is a city called Dublin!). Similar in texture to Guinness, ales are perfect for those looking for something a little milder than your typical stout.

Typical Irish Snack to Go with Beer

For a truly authentic flavor of Ireland, Flaherty’s is proud to offer its customers the much loved Tayto crisps. Long-considered Ireland’s national crisp of choice, you can enjoy them in a range of flavors that include cheese and onion, smoky bacon, and of course, the crèmè de la crèmè, salt and vinegar. 

Irish Whiskey 101

Apart from beers, Ireland is also famous for its whiskeys. At Flaherty’s, we have a wide selection of some of Ireland’s finest whiskeys, as well as other labels of international renown.

  • Jameson Original
  • Tullamore Dew
  • Paddy
  • Black Bush
  • Jameson Black Barrel, 12 YR
  • Bushmills 10 YR
  • Teeling

How to Make an Irish Coffee

For those not in the know, you may be asking yourself: what is an Irish coffee? Well, in short, an Irish coffee is a standard hot cup of coffee with a dash of Irish whiskey, topped with whipped cream. Particularly popular in winter and during the holiday season, an Irish coffee is relatively simple to make. 

  1. Prepare your whipped cream or ready your store-bought supply.
  2. Prepare coffee as you normally would.
  3. Pour the coffee into a heat-proof glass.
  4. Add whiskey and sugar and stir vigorously until sugar has completely dissolved. 
  5. Slowly add your whipped cream on top and smoothen for a flat finish. Sprinkle some cinnamon or cocoa for extra flavour. 

Flaherty’s International Beers and Other Beverages

Not only do we serve the best in Irish drinks on the market, we also have a wide range of international beers, spirits and cocktails on offer, as well as unbeatable pub grub. So whether you’re visiting Barcelona or a Barcelona native looking for a hopping atmosphere in the heart of your home city, come to Flaherty’s Irish Bar to sample some of the best beers and beverages in town!

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