PopSugar

Guinness Unveils New 250th Anniversary Stout Beer

YumSugar — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 09:00:11 -0700

Stout lovers get excited: for the first time since it began exporting to the US, Guinness is introducing a new stout beer to select markets.

On April 24, to celebrate its quarter-of-a-century draught legacy, Guinness is launching a limited-edition beer, 250th Anniversary Stout, which will be available in bars and stores in the US, Australia, and Singapore. The anniversary brew honors Arthur Guinness's signing of a 9,000-year lease in 1759 at St. James's Gate Brewery in Dublin, where the company's flagship brewery is located.

Less creamy than its original counterpart, the special-release brew will have a heavy malt flavor and more effervescence, along with a slightly higher alcohol content. Instead of nitrogen and carbon dioxide (used in original Guinness draught), the new stout will use carbonation, as well as two types of malt, and triple hops. The resulting beer is intended to have a more refreshing taste and a simpler pouring process.

Unlike Guinness's famous two-part pouring process (which involves filling the glass 75 percent of the way at an angle, letting the surge of foam settle, and then topping it off with the rest), the anniversary stout can be poured at once.

Since I love a bold, zippy beer, this stout sounds like something I can get behind - possibly even more so than traditional Guinness. When April 24 arrives, stock up while you can, since the commemorative brew is only slated to be around for six months. Do you have plans to seek out the special-release stout?

Source

6 Scrumptious Uses For Stout Beer

YumSugar — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 05:50:59 -0700

Planning a boisterous bash for St. Patrick's Day? Chances are, you'll have plenty of Guinness - the famous Irish brew - on hand. Deliciously creamy, slightly sweet, and a tad bitter all at the same time, Guinness makes for a great drink on its own. But did you know the stout also packs a punch of flavor to many different types of dishes? Read on to find out what you can cook with yours.

View Slideshow ›

Guinness Tests Out Mid-Strength Beer

YumSugar — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 15:00:13 -0700

After more than 200 years, it appears Guinness is trying to make a splash with its new products. First, it unveiled its 250th Anniversary Stout, a limited-edition carbonated beer, and now it's begun testing out a version of the world's best-selling stout that contains less alcohol. In comparison to at least 4.1 percent in standard Guinness, Guinness Mid-Strength, as it's called, contains only 2.8 percent alcohol.

While the weaker brew, which was created partly as a result of the Scottish government's initiative to tackle irresponsible drinking, is currently only in select Scotland pubs, it could be offered widely if the trial proves to be successful in the next three months. Unlike the failed Guinness Light of the 1970s, the beer's producers claim Mid-Strength possesses the same taste and texture as Guinness with only a fraction of the alcohol.

Although many of you said you'd try out reduced-alcohol wine, I'm not sure how I feel about the Guinness. Guinness already has a built-in pacing mechanism - its richness and density. Moreover, people who dislike regular Guinness aren't likely to reach for the less potent version, and hard-core Guinness drinkers definitely won't. Guinness lovers: Would you?

Source: Flickr User [puamelia]

Happy Hour: BarbaRoja Barrel-Aged Red Ale

partysugar — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 16:15:27 -0800

While Argentina's not exactly a place known for its beer, it should be known for one beer in particular, the superbly smooth, easy drinking BarbaRoja barrel-aged red ale. Although this beer comes in a Champagne-like bottle with a cartoon pirate label, it's not feminine or cheap-tasting. Rather it's a rich, frothy ale with light body and malty, slight caramel flavor. The red color means it's not nearly as dark and heavy as an Irish stout, but nor is it too light and characterless like an American lager. It's a successful balance of both these worlds. This pleasant brew is the best, most complex beer I've tasted in a long time.

Have you ever tried it? Do you drink Argentine beer?

If You're Drinking This Holiday Season, Go Green

FitSugar — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 13:28:54 -0800

To me, being healthy involves more than exercise and a balanced diet - I also try to live in ways that are eco-conscious and sustainable. I recycle, eat organic and local food, and do my best to cut down on waste. I feel better knowing that I'm helping preserve our planet, and a good state of mind is essential for healthy living!

This philosophy shouldn't stop at cocktail hour. Luckily, there are more choices than ever before when it comes to organic alcohol. Since the holidays often involve parties and grand meals, why not choose responsibly made alcohol if you're imbibing this season?

To see a list of organic spirits, beer, and wine, read more.

Tru Organic Vodka ($20). Tru vodka is made from organic ingredients, and the company plants a tree in Central America for every bottle sold. The company uses less glass to produce its bottles, and the glass that is used is recycled. Top that off with a synthetic cork, soy-based ink, and packaging that converts into a shelf and you've got yourself a carbon negative rating! Aside from its straight vodka offering, choose from lemon or vanilla flavored vodka too.
Casa Noble Tequila ($40-130). Award-winning Casa Noble is made from 100% organically farmed Blue Agave plants and is USDA certified organic. All the tequila is made harvest-to-bottle on the Casa Noble estate where water usage is carefully monitored and organic cleaning products dominate. Choose from silver, resposado, anejo, single barrel resposado, and single barrel anejo.
Juniper Green Gin ($20). Juniper Green has the bragging rights of being the first organic gin ever, and is made using organic ingredients like grain, juniper, and coriander. Besides being USDA certified it also has certification from the British Soil Association for its use of sustainable farming practices.
Papagayo Organic Rum ($28). The organic sugarcane used to make Papagayo single estate rum comes from small family farms in Paraguay, and the rum is distilled using organic practices. Available as a white or spiced rum.
Benromach Organic Single Malt Scotch Whisky ($60). The raw ingredients of Benromach are all organic, and the company is certified by the British Soil Association. Though it's not reclaimed wood, its casks are made from materials that come from sustainably managed forests.
Parducci Wine ($12). Parducci wines are not only affordable they are made using organic grapes from family owned farms and come delivered in eco-friendly packaging. The Parducci estate uses solar and renewable energy to power itself, as well as sustainable farming practices.
Domaine Carneros Sparkling Wine ($30). Made from organic grapes, bubbly from Domaine Carneros is also vegan. (If you didn't already know champagne and sparkling wine has animal products like egg whites in them.) The winery uses solar power and is a big fan of composting.
Wolaver's Organic Ale ($10 for a 6-pack). Wolaver's uses organic ingredients and its sustainable farming practices include the use of bio-diesel fuel, free-air refrigeration and relying on local ingredients. The company also donates profits to research in organic farming. There are eight varieties available that include pale ale, oatmeal stout, and alta gracia coffee porter.

Guinness Takes the Cake

YumSugar — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 16:15:54 -0800

Every once in a while it's nice to have a little indulgence in life. This weekend, I made a decadent chocolate-stout cake to celebrate the start of the new year. The addition of Guinness creates an incredibly moist cake with a delicious, bittersweet aftertaste. For chocoholics, the cake is absolutely heavenly!

To balance the dense richness, I served each slice with a dollop of vanilla ice cream. Whipped cream would also be lovely on the side. The original recipe calls for three, 8-inch cake pans, but I own 9-inch pans, so I halved the recipe and made a two-layer cake. To satisfy your chocolate craving, read more.

Chocolate Stout Cake
Bon Appétit

Ingredients

Cake
1 cup stout (such as Guinness)
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (preferably Dutch-process)
2 cups all purpose flour
2 cups sugar
1 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
3/4 teaspoon salt
2 large eggs
1/2 cup plus 3 tablespoons sour cream
Icing
1 cup whipping cream
1/2 pound bittersweet (not unsweetened) or semisweet chocolate, chopped

Directions

For cake: Preheat oven to 350°F. Butter two 9-inch round cake pans. Line with parchment paper. Butter paper.
Bring the stout and butter to simmer in heavy large saucepan over medium heat.
Add cocoa powder to the stout and butter mixture. Whisk until mixture is smooth. Cool slightly.
Whisk flour, sugar, baking soda, and 1 1/2 teaspoons salt in large bowl to blend.
Using electric mixer, beat eggs and sour cream in another large bowl to blend. Add stout-chocolate mixture to egg mixture and beat just to combine.
Slowly Add flour mixture to the chocolate and egg mixture. Beat briefly on slow speed. Using rubber spatula, fold batter until completely combined. Divide batter equally among prepared pans. Bake cakes until tester inserted into center of cakes comes out clean, about 35 minutes.
Transfer cakes to rack; cool 10 minutes. Turn cakes out onto rack and cool completely.
For icing: Bring cream to simmer in heavy medium saucepan. Remove from heat. Add chopped chocolate and whisk until melted and smooth. Refrigerate until icing is spreadable, stirring frequently, about 2 hours.
Place 1 cake layer on plate. Spread icing over. Top with second cake layer. Spread remaining icing over top and sides of cake. Cut and enjoy.

Serves 12.

Print recipe with images | without images

View 9 Photos ›

Bone Up With Beer?

FitSugar — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 03:00:32 -0700

Earlier this Summer we learned that the stout beer Guinness was good for the heart, and now Spanish research has found that beer may promote bone density. Out of 1,700 women participating in the study, those that were considered moderate beer drinkers had the highest bone density. It is believed that the plant hormone phytoestrogen found in beer, and not other alcohols, may be the key to building dense bones. Dr. Claire Bowring, a UK osteoporosis expert, said that while this study mirrored previous studies, her organization would not be recommending that women start drinking pints daily. Here's her explanation:
"While low quantities of alcohol may appear to have bone density benefits, higher intakes have been shown to decrease bone strength, with an alcohol intake of more than two units per day actually increasing the risk of breaking a bone. There are also many other health concerns linked with alcohol which cannot be ignored."

The bottom line: Drink one drink a day, and no more. Don't start drinking for health benefits or bone density. If you like to kick back with one brewski a day, it might benefit your bones.

Come Party With Me: Super Bowl Party - Drinks

partysugar — Wed, 31 Jan 2007 06:59:32 -0800

Super Bowl Sunday is just a few days away and slowly but surely I'm putting together my blowout bash. In order for me not to get overwhelmed when planning a party, I like to do it in little increments. The invitations one day, the menu the next, and so on and so forth until the entire fete is prepared. After the game and the food, the next essential piece of any Super Bowl party puzzle is the drinks. I went all out in the menu and will do the same with the drinks that I pair with my food. (Random side note that has nothing to do with drinks at all: maybe I'm a little excited from FabSugar's sexy week but isn't this pic of a football player's body HOT?) To see what I will be serving my guests while I cheer on the Chicago Bears, read more

Obviously an assortment of beers is a must. I plan on purchasing 3 different twelve packs: Heineken Light (for the gals who are watching their weight), Pacifico (to pair with the Mexican flavors that run through the dishes: chipotle, chili, nachos...), and Stella (for those who are beer snobs). To figure out how much beer you will need in relation to the number of guests who attend your fiesta, check out this handy dandy party drink calculator. Place the beer in a spot close to your tv and make sure to have several bottle openers on hand - it always seems they go missing at my parties pretty quickly! A silver bucket or a big plastic bin in your team's colors filled with ice will work perfectly.

If you want to serve wine as well as beer, pick American wines - afterall the Super Bowl is the ultimate American event. As California produces every nine out of ten American bottles of wine, look to your favorite wines from the Napa or Sonoma Valleys or the Southern regions around Los Angeles. Look for a Zinfandel with attitude, an easy-drinking Chardonnay, or a crispy, light Sauvignon Blanc.

I find that at parties guests are inclined to try one cocktail and then shift over to drinking wine or beer. Since this is the case, I'll have one super special cocktail for when my guests arrive. What says Super Bowl more than the Ultimate Margarita? You can serve it blended (but you'll have to make the mess with the blender during the game...), but I'll mix mine in a pitcher to prevent watering down the cocktail and then pour it over ice into a fun festive glass. If you are feeling like a dare devil and want to have some really outrageous drinks on hand for your overly excited guests, why not mix up a few cocktails with beer as the base? Here's a list of ways to jazz up your boring old bottle of beer:

Lager and lime: Add a dash of lime juice or lime cordial to a light lager.
Snakebite: Mix your favorite beer (usually a heavier beer, like stout, works well) half and half with cider.
Black Velvet: Mix stout and champagne, half and half.
Beer Bloody Mary: Mix beer and tomato juice, half and half. Add a dash of Tabasco and a dash of Worcestershire.
Red Eye: Add a shot of tomato juice to any ale or lager (this cocktail is also known as Tomato Beer or a Red Rooster). If you add a splash of Tabasco, the drink becomes a Ruddy Mary.
Liverpool kiss: Mix a dark beer with Cassis.
BeeSting: Dark beer and orange juice.
Skip and go naked: Combine beer, lemon juice and gin, with a dash of grenadine.
Broadway: Popular in Japan, mixing beer and cola is known as a Broadway
Caribbean Night: Beer and an ounce of coffee liqueur.
South Wind: Beer with a shot of melon liqueur.

Lastly be sure to have lots of water on hand (both sparkling and still) and an assortment of classic ballpark sodas: Coke, 7-Up, root beer, and Orange Crush. Got an amazing drink recipe that you will be mixing at your Super Bowl Party? Please tell me about it below! Next up on the game plan: winning decorations that are sure to score you a touchdown. Look for Come Party With Me tomorrow for the details.

Source: That's The Spirit

Must-Read: The Ultimate Beer Lover's Cookbook

YumSugar — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 12:30:41 -0700

Ever since the onset of Oktoberfest, I've had beer on the brain. Naturally I decided to break out my copy of The Ultimate Beer Lover's Cookbook. The tome is authored by John Schlimm, a descendant of the Straub beer empire. The collection, which took 10 years to compile, employs beer in every single one of its 400-plus recipes. To see what I think of the cookbook, read more.

Pros:

Schlimm isn't afraid to experiment with beer, and his exhaustive cookbook doesn't leave behind a single category of food or drink.
The cookbook contains well-organized chapters. Rather than dedicating one chapter to beer drinks, the author splits the drinking portion into seven different drink chapters that include chasers, party punches, and floats, and milkshakes.

Cons:

The recipes don't include recommendations for beer varieties. Would a cheddar beer soup really taste as good with an IPA as it would a stout?
Some recipes are short on specifics. For example, one sausage recipe calls for six sausage links, rather than specifying the ounces.

Recipes: The recipes are simple, concise, and generally only a few short steps. The book covered everything, including:

Breads, Pancakes, and Doughs - basil bread, buckwheat pancake rolls
Wild Game - elk, bear steak, squirrel dinner for two
Desserts - easy vanilla cake, butterscotch tarts

Imagery: There are no pictures in the book.

Overall Rating: Mixed. Pictures would have made a huge difference, but I am excited to have a new cookbook that encourages me to experiment with beer in ways I never imagined. This would make an excellent gift for a fellow beer lover.

Have you checked out this book? If so, what did you think?

5 Beer Cocktails For St. Patrick's Day

partysugar — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 03:30:51 -0700

This St. Patrick's Day, instead of sipping regular old beer, get creative and use an Irish brew to make a beer cocktail. If the thought of an Irish car bomb or Broilermaker makes you shudder, have no fear; these libations are easier to drink than their shot-in-beer cousins. And there's something for everyone, whether you prefer a lighter lager or rich stout. Source

View Slideshow ›