The say anything, what's on your mind thread

[nigel-harps1954]

Too. Many. Drink.

[nigel-harps1954]

Just tried a bottle of the Guinness 'Dublin Porter'. It went down well enough, but I can't say I'd be rushing out the door to go buying a crate of it any time soon.

I've got myself a bottle of their Golden Ale too. That'll be tomorrow nights TV drink. I hope it's a little more impressive.

Anyone else enjoying Guinness Brewers Project? Have to say, it's good to see them having a go at it anyway.

[bennocelt]

Had the West Indies Porter, thought it was horrible tbh.......

[Macy]

Anyone else enjoying Guinness Brewers Project? Have to say, it's good to see them having a go at it anyway.

I try to stick to the actual craft breweries, but I do quite like some of the commercial bandwagon pretend craft ales - isn't it "Craft Syle" they try to fool people with? The Smithwicks Pale Ale is drinkable, and the Murphys Cute Hoor and Irish Red are nice too.

Like I say, I'd go for a proper craft ale given the option, but where they aren't, these are alright alternatives and it's certainly welcome that things have moved on from the old style, Guinness/ Bulmers/ Bud/ Heino or Carlsberg "choice" we used to have.

Haven't tried any of the other Guinness Project ones except Hop House 13 (which is ok as lagers go). I actually prefer my Porters Nitro'd, so don't tend to go for them. Not really mad about Brown Ales either - Pale or Red ales are my go to really.

It is brilliant to see so many options - a few years ago I was doing homebrew to get some ales. Now I can pick up Craft Ales (both real and pretend) for 4 for a tenner in the local centra, and the offie near work has O'Hara's (including the Hop Adventures) on the same deal. That's before you even get onto Aldi. Lidl expanding their range too. 3 out of 4 of my local pubs have some draft option too (although not the local). Well one's Franciscan Well, which at least started as a craft brewery.

[nigel-harps1954]

I agree Macy, don't get me wrong, I'd prefer a proper craft beer all day. Loving some of the stuff coming through over the past couple of years. Kinnegar and Franciscan Well have impressed me most out of anything I've tried.

I just think it's great, as you say, the likes of Guinness and Smithwicks are having a go at doing something different. While not much of the Guinness stuff has jumped out at me too much, apart from the limited edition Black Lager which I thought was fantastic, Smithwicks foray into new ales has been a resounding success. Their Pale Ale, Blonde Ale, Long Irish Summer Ale and Winter Spirit Ale are all top quality beers.

[tetsujin1979]

I quite like the Guinness North Star and Toucan Brew from a few years ago

[nigel-harps1954]

I quite like the Guinness North Star and Toucan Brew from a few years ago

So...essentially, you like plain old Guinness? I found absolutely no difference in the North Star to a normal pint of Guinness. Didn't try the Toucan Brew.

[tetsujin1979]

North star had a much "fresher"taste than regular Guinness, I can't explain it well. Toucan brew had more of a cocoa after taste.

[nigel-harps1954]

Fascinating stuff.

[BonnieShels]

I know this is satire. But if you didn't know that, it is shockingly believable.

http://www.newyorker.com//borowitz-r...-of-long-words

[nigel-harps1954]

Feck football.

[TheOneWhoKnocks]

Judge praises good character of 26 year old man who viciously raped a 73 year old woman.

http://www.independent.ie/irish-news...-34910281.html

What a country!

[Fizzer]

He didn't praise his good character,he said he was considering it.hes obliged to do so.if he didn't,then the rapist may have grounds to appeal the severity of his sentence.presumably you'd like that to be avoided both because of the cost to the state and more importantly,further distress to the poor victim.

[nigel-harps1954]

Just imagine, women give out about childbirth....it's all this waiting around in the hospital that's a real pain in the hole.

[BonnieShels]

And then you'll name them Clárseach

[nigel-harps1954]

And then you'll name them Clárseach

That'd be Cláirseach

But no, thankfully, little Oisín arrived this evening just after half 5, healthy, happy and content at a sizeable 9lb 12oz. A wonderful moment.

[Eminence Grise]

Congratulations, Nigel. Better tell the builders to add another seat to the new stadium.

Health and happiness to you all.

[Charlie Darwin]

Congrats Nigel *imaginary high five*

[SkStu]

I'm glad Kat got to pick the name this time man...not sure the world is ready for the name "Harps" yet.

[Charlie Darwin]

I'm glad Kat got to pick the name this time man...not sure the world is ready for the name "Harps" yet.

Harpo could work though.

(Oh god, what have I done?)