As if the Irish reputation was not already soaked in stout and whiskey, the county council in Ireland’s County Kerry approved a motion that would allow residents in rural areas to drink and drive. The measure supports the creation of a permit system which would, according to The Guardian, “allow rural drinkers to drive after having ‘two or three drinks.’”
The councilor that proposed the measure, Danny Healy-Rae—who, The Guardian notes, owns a pub—“claimed it would help prevent depression and suicide in the county” by allowing residents of the sparsely populated countryside to drink and socialize at a pub and then drive home without the fear of losing their license.
The 5-3 vote, though, was far from a ringing endorsement since seven councilors abstained and 12 others were absent. Regardless, drinking and driving is not cool. In fact, I encourage and implore you to stay put when drinking the beer of the month: Schlafly’s Irish-Style Extra Stout.
Schlafly’s Irish-Style Extra Stout is a tasty, full-bodied alternative to thinner Irish imports such as Guinness, Murphy’s and Beamish. The Schlafly website says it “amplifies the traditional drier versions from Ireland for a bolder, black brew.”
Poured into a pint glass (an aroma-enhancing tulip or snifter will also do), its color is opaque black. Two fingers of thick, tan head will settle unevenly and leave trails of foam along the glass. The first whiff is rich, dark and slightly boozy. There are scents of toasted malts, a little espresso-like roast, black raspberry, plum, a touch of black licorice, dark chocolate, molasses and singed caramel that reminded me of the 7-Up we boiled down in my high school chemistry class.
As advertised, the mouthfeel is fairly dry and the roasted and toasted malts impart the customary dry stout bitterness. The flavor mostly mirrors the aroma: toasted malts, a hint of espresso-like roast, dark fruit, licorice, dark chocolate, molasses, burnt caramel and a little booze.
- Serving temperature: 50-55º F.
- Food Pairings: According to The World Atlas of Beer, written by Tim Webb and Stephen Beaumont, the boldness of dry stout “provides a cleansing contrast” to oysters. In Tasting Beer, Randy Mosher recommends “hearty, rich food; steak, meat pies,” and suggests pairing “stronger versions with chocolate.”
- Alcohol content: 8 percent ABV
- Where to buy: Most area beer retailers will carry it; however, supplies are limited because it is a seasonal release only available through March
- Price: $10-11 per six-pack.
Casey Wagner lives in Iowa City.
