Going on 30 hours awake. It's been really cool so far, though we've had our share of hiccups. Guinness is better here and I didn't even get a proper pour.
Guinness *is* better in Ireland. Everyone told me and my wife so, before we went on our honeymoon, but we scoffed at the idea. We were surprised to find out that it's true. A study even
confirms it. I found Guinness in Ireland creamier, less bitter, and with a 'fluffier' mouth feel than US Guinness.
In truth, North American Guinness is sometimes
brewed in Canada, and that has to make a difference in flavor. I imagine, in addition, not all US pubs use the
restrictor plate that forces the nitrogen out of solution to help create the creamy head. That restrictor plate creates a *lot* of foam, so it's important to let it settle before topping off (the "proper pour"). Some folks think it's
marketing hype, including
this guy who nonetheless admits that it was obvious which of his tests were "properly poured"...
It was self-evident which was the properly-poured Guinness as its head was noticeably thicker compared to the quickly-poured pint which was bubbly and frothy. Still, aside from a slightly less creamy mouthfeel...