We went on a little road trip through Ireland with the family! This included Edward, Xander, Joy, Britt, Elize (Joy & Xander’s mother), and Cathelijn (Xander’s Girlfriend). we have a trip to the Guinness Storehouse planned for the last day of our trip. But we couldn’t wait to have our first taste of Guinness!
First impression
On our first day staying in Ireland, we went to Cork and went to our first pub of the trip, J. J. Walsh. This historic bar & restaurant is based in the heart of the city. Right in front of the English Market. The cozy and inviting ambiance, complete with wooden accents and dim lighting, sets the stage for a memorable evening. From the friendly staff to the historic memorabilia from the Irish Revolution, this pub exudes a warm and convivial atmosphere that makes you feel right at home.
Walking through this impressive pub, we saw a small stage for live music. Since we arrived around lunchtime, there weren’t any performances yet (unfortunately).
J.J. Walsh takes pride in its impressive selection of Irish whiskeys, spirits, and locally brewed beers. They have a lot of variety of drinks on tap. Carlsberg Pilsner, Smithwick’s Red Ale, Rockshore Cider, Rockshore Irish Lager, Hop House 13 Lager and of course, Guinness! Some of us had never tasted the iconic Irish stout before, so we took this opportunity to try our first taste of Guinness, It was very different from what some of us expected!
What is a Guinness?
You’ve probably heard of Guinness beer, but what sets it apart? This traditional Irish stout is renowned for its distinct taste and flavor profile. It’s made from barley, hops, water, yeast, and nitrogen. Using malted barley and dark roasted barley, Guinness achieves its deep color and caramelized flavor. With the addition of hops and a specific strain of ale yeast, Guinness creates its perfectly balanced taste.
Tasting Guinness
Later on this trip, we will visit the Guinness Storehouse where we learn more about the aromas, flavors, and textures of the Irish stout. But we’ll give you our first impression of tasting a Guinness in Ireland for the first time.
Xander and Edward are the only frequent beer drinkers in our group. Both of them have tried a Guinness before but never had one in Ireland. They both quickly agreed that the one from the pub tasted a lot better than the one they had tried back home in the Netherlands. This one was a lot more flavorful and smooth.
Britt & I (Joy) have never tasted Guinness before. Neither of us knew what to expect flavor or texture-wise. We took a sip from the guys’ drink because we had ordered cider just in case we didn’t like the beer. To both of our surprises, it tasted a lot less heavy than we expected based on the color of the stout. It does have a very smooth and creamy texture. Did we fall in love with it? No. Did we like it better than most of the beers we’ve tried? Yes, absolutely! But maybe, just like wine, you have to drink it more often to be able to taste different flavors and learn to like it. Let’s hope so!
Tasting Rockshore Apple Cider
While the guys were enjoying their Guinness, we ladies enjoyed the Rockshore Apple Cider. After some googling, we found out that this cider is also owned by Guinness! It’s made with real fresh pressed apples, unlike most ciders that use an apple concentrate. It’s very refreshing, crisp, and full of fruitiness. This cider quickly became our go-to order in pubs. And we may, or may not have had a few too many of these during the rest of the trip 🤫.
Food
Since it was lunchtime, we decided to have something to eat. J.J. Walsh has created a traditional Irish menu with locally sourced produce from the English Market. They have a variety of meals. We had sandwiches, burgers, and house nachos. We didn’t expect a pub to have this quality of food. Everything was very tasty and delicious!
Final Thoughts
J.J. Walsh in Cork, Ireland encapsulates the true spirit of an authentic Irish pub. From the warm welcome to the delightful flavors of Ireland, this establishment offers an experience that is both memorable and genuine. Whether you’re seeking a taste of Irish culture, a lively night out, or simply a place to unwind with friends, J.J. Walsh is a must-visit destination that will leave you with cherished memories and a longing to return. We are really glad we walked into this pub!
Sláinte to the magic of Irish pubs!
Next up: Award-Winning Irish Coffee in Limerick City!
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