Jet lag doesn’t seem to affect me nearly as much going on vacation as it does coming back. That thrill and excitement and just new-ness mitigates while the routine and chores doesn’t light up the brain.
Which is why I waited a couple days to get my overall beer and spirits thoughts together on my two weeks in Ireland.
First off, I am glad that I waited to have a true Irish Coffee in Ireland. Yes, Los Angeles to San Francisco (the American home of the cocktail) is a shorter trip but my Dad’s favorite tipple needed a bigger bang. Nine bigger than having one at the Tullamore D.E.W. Distillery and then a second comparison versioj at Garavan’s in Galway.
The second box that I ticked was to get a wide variety of Irish craft beers tasted. From Donegal to Wicklow, I was able to get cans from all levels of breweries. I wanted to do more than just dip my toe, I wanted to get wet at least up to the ankle.
Third on my list was to see what Guinness was up to and if it was up to snuff. Of course, I had a couple pints of the dark stuff while I was there but the St. Jame’s Gate brewery is more than that. I had there Rock Shore Lager and their Hop House 13 Lager and especially the latter was quite tasty.
The last item on my list was to have a second distillery tour and boy, did Micil Distillery in Salthill fill that bill. It was a comprehensive tasting. And it opened my eyes as to how good Irish Cream Liqueur could be when not sugared to candy levels.
Some other thoughts…
- Spanish and Italian mass market lagers are indeed big there
- Tipping rules are so different, usually you just tap your card without getting the device turned around to add extra
- alcohol in grocery stores is behind saloon style doors and can only be bought during certain hours, no purchases on Sunday before noon
- most pubs and bars have your hits and maybe a craft tap or two
The biggest take-away that I figured would happen but needed to feel was that the vibe is just slower. I found myself not blowing through a pint, it wasn’t quite savoring every drop mode but I sure did relax.