Beverages of Ireland

Ireland is renowned internationally for its beverages whether it is alcoholic or non-alcoholic. The pub culture is widely popular in Dublin and has probably spread from here to the rest of the world. Therefore, there are wide ranges of beverages available in Ireland ranging from hot tea, freshly brewed coffee to chilled beer and whisky pegs. During the earliest of times, the Irish enjoyed home brewed beverages.

The favorite among all Irish was Mead, a honey wine that was not only potent but also delicious. Earlier, Ales were also brewed and later the Brehon Laws established rules for the sales and operation of the Ale Houses.

Tea was introduced in Ireland for the first time in the late 17^th century AD, which became very popular but was expensive. By 1880s, rural Ireland saw a huge increase in tea drinking. Small shops of grocers were established in the towns and villages who exchanged butter and eggs for tea and sugar. Today, the Irish drink more tea per capita than any other nation.

The presence of Whiskey in Ireland can be dated back to the 12^th century AD. The Normans could not pronounce the Gaelic 'Uisce Beatha' that means 'Water of Life'. Instead, they used the word 'Fuisce' for ‘Uisce’, which became whiskey later on. Whiskey has been an Irish drink for centuries. It is believed that the Monks brought the distilling techniques from Europe. The first commercial whiskey distilleries were established in Ireland during the 18^th century. The famous Kilbeggan Distillery was founded in 1757, Jameson in 1780, Bushmills in 1784 and Powers in 1791. During this time, a formal distillery licensing was introduced and taxes were levied.

However, they begin to decline soon. By the early 1960s, only four distilleries were still in operation while distilling in Dublin had ceased altogether. In 1988, Pernod Ricard of France acquired Irish Distillers, the largest producer in Ireland. Today, the only Irish-owned, independent Irish whiskey distillery established in the 20th century is Cooley Distillery.

Although some whiskeys are stilled made in Ireland, many of the companies are no longer owned by Irish. The whiskey drinking tradition has not declined in Ireland and it still flows in any pub or bar.

Beer is still a favorite beverage for the mass population in Ireland. There are several types such as ales, stout and microbrews. However, the most popular beer in Ireland is Guinness, which is brewed at St. James Gate, Dublin. There is a popular saying in Dublin that 'The closer you get to Dublin the better the Guinness'. Other noteworthy malt beverages include Smithwicks, Kilkenny, Murphy's and Beamish. Ciders are also quite popular. Irish Breweries are located throughout the Republic of Ireland with most being in Dublin.

By: Shuchita Bist

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