Porter (beer) - Porter in Ireland

Porter in Ireland

Porter was first brewed in Ireland in 1776. Guinness introduced theirs in 1778, although they continued to brew ale as well until 1799.

In Ireland, especially Dublin, the drink was known as "plain porter" or just "plain". This is the drink referred to in Flann O'Brien's poem "The Workman's Friend": "A pint of plain is your only man." By contrast, extra-strong porter was called Stout Porter. The last Guinness Irish porter was produced in 1974.

After the invention of malted barley roasted until black to impart a darker colour and distinct burnt taste to the beer in 1817, Irish brewers dropped the use of brown malt, using patent malt and pale malt only, while English brewers continued using some brown malt, giving a difference in style between English and Irish porters.

In 1989 the first Porterhouse Brewery was opened in Wicklow, and another in Temple Bar, Dublin in 1996, followed by others around the world. Amongst the Porter drinks reproduced is the original 'Plain Porter' which can only be purchased on draught in their bars, or in bottles elsewhere.