Irish or not, St. Patrick’s Day marks a favourite day of the year for many Canadian young professionals (YPs). After all, it offers an excuse to get day drunk and don ridiculous green get-up, allowing for ample Instagram shots… is there anything more important? Of course, it means beer, and nothing says Irish beer like the beloved Guinness brand. This year, Guinness comes to the aid of Canadians everywhere, and brought along two of friends from Ireland to Toronto to educate Canadians on the authentic way to celebrate.
We caught up with the two very Irish Guinness Ambassadors, Dubliner Mark Rossiter, a proud Irish barman with the nickname “Happy,” and David Tunney, a 5th generation Dubliner. “As Irishmen, we are thrilled that Canada loves St. Patrick’s Day,” said Mark Rossiter. “However, hearing about green beer and party beads, I feel that it is my patriotic duty to share with Canadians the authentic and customary Irish celebrations of St. Patrick’s Weekend.”
Here are a few tips from the St. Paddy’s Day pros…
How do you actually pour the perfect pint if Guinness, the way they do in the commercials?
There is indeed an art to it.
Step 1
Take a cool, clean, dry, Guinness branded glass.
Step 2
Hold the glass under the tap at an angle of 45 degrees.
Step 3
Pull the handle forward until it is horizontal and fill the glass to between 15mm and 20mm (about 3/4”) from the top. Never put the tap spout into the Guinness.
Step 4
Leave the surge to settle (approx 119.5 secs).
Step 5
Top up the glass by pushing the tap handle backwards until the head is just proud of the glass. Do not let the stout overflow, and never use a spatula to level the head.
Step 6
Hand the pint to the consumer with a steady hand. There should be no overspill.
What are three interesting facts about Guinness?
It is pretty misleading when it is referred to as the “black stuff.” It is actually a dark ruby red colour when you hold it up to the light. Another thing that people may not know is that Guinness is actually over 250 years old, making it one of the oldest products around. Finally, all of the Guinness that you drink here in Canada has all been brewed in Dublin since the beginning.
What type of food should be served at a St. Patrick’s Day party (alongside the Guinness, of course)?
Guinness works well alongside something simple, like nachos. But another option is a traditional, authentic Irish breakfast of eggs and bangers (Irish sausage), grilled tomato, and rashers (Irish bacon), with hash browns and the whole nine yards. On St. Patrick’s Day, breakfast is very important; you have a long day ahead of you.
What are the best ways to celebrate like the Irish do?
Choose an authentic Irish venue. Canada is home to a number of Irish pubs. Check out the Guinness St. Patrick’s Weekend City Guide to find your local Irish spot. In Canada, people get crazier than we do back home and there is a whole wild Mardi Gras feel to it in North America. In Ireland, it is more of a day to enjoy the company of family and friends and go to the parade. We would maybe have a Guinness or two, but not 20. It is much more relaxed.
Any other pointers?
It is St. Paddy’s, NOT St. Patty’s. It really annoys us when people mix it up.
#LYNL | (Live Your Notable Life)
Want more updates on the most Notable things happening so you know before your colleagues do? Get our exclusive newsletter here and follow us on Twitter for all the latest.