Nightwatch: Drink like an Irish master

For some Americans, St. Patrick's Day is a time for drinking some of Ireland's tastiest exports. To give celebrants a little expertise to go along with their beer goggles, we went to a couple of guys who know a lot about drinking the Irish way.

FERGAL MURRAY

HEAD BEERMASTER, GUINNESS IN DUBLIN

What's the proper way to pour Guinness?

[There are] six steps for the perfect pour. The first is to make sure you have a clean, dry glass. Second, the glass should be held at a 45-degree angle under the spout. Third, fill the glass three-quarters of the way. The fourth step is let it settle, watching the bubbles trying to get back into the solution. Fifth, fill the rest of the glass, topping it off so the head is proud at the rim. The sixth step is to serve. That whole piece of theater, that whole ritual, is very important to Guinness. The image of the perfect pint is what we want to have because most people drink their beer with their eyes first.

How do you make a good Black & Tan?

It's Guinness sitting on top of Smithwicks or Harp's Lager. You pour your lager or ale in first, fill the glass halfway. Then you top it off with Guinness, with a gentle flow in over the top of a spoon or just a gentle flow down the side of the glass.

What type of meal goes best with Guinness?

Seafood is my favorite. Oysters, shrimps and shellfish. The flavor in the Guinness brings out the flavor in the fish.

Is Guinness really good for you?

Guinness is lower in calories than most domestic beers. It has 120 calories per 12 ounces, which is less than a glass of orange juice.

What makes a good Irish pub?

Loads of Guinness taps (laughs). No, just friendly folk and friendly service. But the Irish theme doesn't necessarily enhance a pub. I don't need a pub with shamrocks. I like to actually go into a modern bar and enjoy a pint, as well.

Is St. Patrick's Day in Ireland a party day like it is in the U.S.?

It's more of a cultural festival in Ireland. Yeah, people go out and have a drink. But there's not that surge to go out and have a glass of beer like there is [in the United States]. We celebrate being Irish 365 days a year.

If you could be a master in any other profession, what would it be?

Test-driving Ferraris.

COLUM EGAN

MASTER DISTILLER, BUSHMILLS IRISH WHISKEY

What's the best way to serve whiskey?

Add a little drop of water to it. When you add water to whiskey that's in a glass, it actually releases more aromas. They say 60 to 80 percent of the actual tasting of anything comes through your nose. So when you sip it onto your palate, the aromas are actually going up your nasal passage, too, so the whole taste experience is exaggerated.

What are some good mixers?

My personal favorite is ginger ale. But it's also great with Coke and Sprite. My wife actually likes it with cranberry juice in a tall glass with ice. I insist she doesn't get an umbrella; I draw the line (laughs).

Do only certain types of people drink whiskey?

No, not at all. I suppose there are some misconceptions out there. John Wayne did a lot of damage to the whole whiskey business by walking in [to saloons] and shooting it back at the bar. That's one way of drinking it, but the way to really enjoy good whiskey is to take your time and sip on it.

Is it true that monks brought distilling to Europe?

I suppose there's no actual 100 percent, cast-iron guarantee evidence. But what we can pick up from old manuscripts is that returning monks from the Far East started the distillation process with alembics. The alembic would have been used to produce perfumes and oils. So based off that, some clever monks got together and thought about producing alcohol. The fathers mixed extracts from cereals and yeast to make spirits and whiskey.

What's St. Patrick's Day like for you in Ireland?

It's seen more as a family day. Families get together to have a nice meal. The big cities have parades and even the small villages, too. I'm from a town of 4,000 people. They might only have a local farmer with a tractor-trailer and a guy playing a violin in the back. But they're trying.

What if you could be a master in any other profession?

Master golfer. I love golf.

thorgen@startribune.com • 612-673-7909