Beer Nut, we can debate our perspectives over many pints and still not come to a resolution. That this could happen in a pub on just about every other corner is something that Ireland has, but that culture was pretty well wiped out by prohibition in the US and has never really made a comeback. Not that the pre-prohibition pubs and the breweries that backed them didn't have a fairly guilty hand in creating the public's mental image of pubs that gave credence to what the temperance folks were blathering.
While familiarity with our own national macro-brands may breed some contempt on both of our parts, I can honestly say that after having consumed plenty of US light lagers, mainly in the quest of a buzz, having my first bottle of Guinness was a truly eye-opening experience. Beer can really have ... flavor! A flavor beyond a thoroughly skunked Heinie. I doubt you can say the same for your first bottle of Bud.
Anyway, I'll be in Dublin (with my wonderful wife, who also enjoys great beer) for the week that ends March and starts April. Look forward to further discussions then over the requisite pints.
