I’ve been experimenting with different black and tans lately. I am looking for the perfect “tan” to go with the creamy, sweet, and not very strong tasting, Guinness. I’ve heard all the arguments between Harp, Bass, and what is “authentic”, but what I am looking for is what tastes the best.
I have tried some IPAs with the Guinness and they are a bit too strong. So far my favorite so far is a local pale ale, Brown’s Pale Ale, but still not great. I’m beginning to wonder if the simple, weak, Harp isn’t the best companion… What are your thoughts?
On a related note, my family got me a turtle for Christmas to assist in pouring a black and tan. If you are not familiar, it is used over a glass to help float the Guinness on top. It works really well; and my daughter even allowed it in my kitchen because it is a multitasker (bottle opener too).
Black and Tan (with some pizza)
The mulitasking turtle
A bar around here offers a wide assortments of Guinness plus X ideas. One that I like the least is what they call “a black belt.” That’s Grain Belt Premium (a T.A.L.L.) and Guinness. I like both of those beers individually, but they do not go well together.
.-= Chemgeek’s latest: It still stinks =-.
My favorite pairing with Guinness for a black and tan is Boulevard Wheat. It’s light flavorful nature mixes well with the cream Guinness.
You probably need a nice lager. How about Brooklyn Lager?
If your ever in New York Long Island way. Get Yourself A Black N Blue. This pairing puts 1/2 a Guinness on a sweet Blueberry Ale from Bluepoint Brewery. Definitely my Favorite.
I personally prefer Smithwicks for my black and tan… a bit more flavor than harp but not over power, and still retains the irish heritage.
Well, they’re made by the same company, sure. Of course the Guinness and Smithwick’s I can get around here are brewed in Canada.
I happen to have some Guinness in the house; I’ll need to do some experimenting. I think I can get some of the Blue Point Blueberry. I wonder if the Sierra Nevada bock I have is too heavy to use. Or the Torpedo. Hmmm…
Where did you find that turtle!? That’s one of the best things I’ve ever seen and I’d love to get one for my lovely girlfriend who loves stouts and turtles equally.
At the “Spoon and Whisk” in Clifton Park, NY.
I seearched for it on Amazon as “guinness turtle” and a couple are available there, about $10.
.-= Ron’s latest: Guinness cupcakes =-.
I think Chicago’s “312″ would be a pretty good match.
How about a hefeweizen?? Although I guess that would be a “Black and White”…
The hefeweizen is an interesting idea, but I don’t know how well those flavors would blend. It’s worth an experiment I suppose.
I randomly came across this. I like Guinness and Widmer Hefeweizen in a Black and Tan. Widmer is mild, so not overbearing, but adds more flavor than a Pale Ale.
@Jordan: That’s an interesting combo. I’ll have to try it out.