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Registered: 05-2007
Location: Northern Ireland
Posts: 1762
karma 28 (+28/-0)
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Northern Ireland drinks


Northern Ireland Drink
In the earliest of times, the Irish enjoyed home brewed beverages. The favorite was Mead, a honey wine that was both potent and delicious. Ales were also brewed. The Brehon Laws established rules for the sales and operation of the Ale Houses.

In the late 17th Century, tea was introduced in Ireland and became very popular, but expensive. In rural Ireland in the mid 1800s, there was a major increase of tea drinking. Small shops of grocers were established in the towns and villages. The grocers exchanged butter and eggs for tea and sugar. Today, the Irish drink more tea per capita than any other nation.

Whiskey in Ireland dates back to the 12th Century. When the Normans invaded, they could not pronounce the Gaelic 'Uisce Beatha' 'Water of Life'. Instead, they used the word 'fuisce' which became whiskey. Whiskey has been an Irish drink for centuries. It is thought that the Monks brought the distilling techniques from Europe.

The first commercial whiskey distilleries were established in Ireland during the 18th Century. Kilbeggan Distillery was founded in 1757. Jameson was founded in 1780, Bushmills in 1784 and Powers in 1791. During this time a formal distillery licensing was introduced and taxes were levied. Irish distilleries declined over the years through acquisition or failure. By the early 1960s only four distilleries were still in operation and distilling in Dublin had ceased altogether. In 1988 Pernod Ricard of France acquired Irish Distillers, the largest producer in Ireland. Eight centuries of tradition were gone. 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 Irish owned. However, the whiskey in Ireland still flows. Stop at any Pub along your journey and there will be a whiskey bottle on the top shelf just waiting for you to take a dram.

Beer is still a favorite beverage for the mass population. There are ales, stout and microbrews. Irish Breweries are located throughout the Republic of Ireland with most being in Dublin. Northern Ireland also has a few. The most popular beer in Ireland is Guinness, brewed at St. James Gate, Dublin. It is often said 'the closer you get to Dublin the better the Guinness' and there is probably some truth this. Other noteworthy malt beverages include Smithwicks, Kilkenny, Murphy's and Beamish. Ciders are also popular. What a fine selection of food and drink!

So, no matter what your preference may be, there is something for almost everyone from a nice cup of tea to a wonderful pint!


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12/25/2008, 5:27 pm Link to this post Send Email to NORNIRN CHICK   Send PM to NORNIRN CHICK
 


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