Harp beer: drink review
The most famous drink among light Irish lagers is Harp beer.
It is produced at the oldest brewery "Dundalk", located in the city of the same name in County Louth.
The company has been producing foamy alcohol for over 200 years. As for Harp, it was brewed relatively recently - in the 50s of the last century.
History of the Harp drink
The first company to become interested in the production of light lagers in Ireland was the legendary Guinness. Prior to that, the country produced only top-fermented beer, and "bottom" drinks were imported from Europe.
With the growing popularity of light beers, local entrepreneurs began to master a new technology.
Guinness representatives invited German specialist Hermann Münder to Ireland to produce the light beer.
A little earlier, the company added a large brewery in Dundalk to its possessions. It became the place of production of the new product.
"The Great Northern Brewery was re-equipped, the Irish lager was christened "Harp" and production began.
The name of the drink is translated from English as "harp"
Along with the clover, the instrument is a symbol of the Emerald Isle and an element of the Guinness logo.
The first bottle of Harp was produced in 1960, and a few years later, in 1964, the lager was supplied in kegs.
In the same year, the drink won a gold award at a competition in Brussels, not the only one in its "track record".
Not only the Irish and the English are connoisseurs of light Irish lager, but also residents of the United States, Canada, and many European countries.
In 1961, a consortium of brewers was organized to produce Harp, which, in addition to Guinness, included large British companies.
Today, the brand is owned by Diageo Corporation, and the lager is produced under license by breweries in Canada and Russia.
Characteristics of Harp beer
Irish barley, German hops from the Hallertau region, Bavarian yeast, and water from the Cooley springs in County Louth are used as raw materials for Harp beer.
Together, the selected ingredients form a special taste that thousands of Irish people love: rich, soft, moderately sweet, with a slight bitterness.
The light golden drink has a bright malt flavor with floral and hop notes, and is well refreshing.
Harp's strength is 5%
Serving temperature - 4-8 °C
Available in kegs, glass bottles and tin cans.
Goes well with meat and fish appetizers, shellfish, snacks.
Update: 02.03.2019
Category: Beer, Cider, Ale