I love the celebration of the Irish and it reminds me of our recent trip to Ireland.  One of our favorite stops?  The Guinness Brewery, of course!

Here's a fact you might find interesting...one of the healthiest beers available?  Guinness!  It has less calories than most beers, lots of iron, and antioxidants. Oh, and it's one of my favorites all around!

About 3 years ago on a cool, rainy day in Ireland, I visited the Guinness brewery.  After touring and tasting (my favorite part), I noticed that I had learned quite a bit!  I thought I'd share some fun facts as we honor this day of the Irish!

1. There is a certain way to pour your Guinness - yes, it is very important to do this right!  Pour your Guinness about 3/4 full into a glass that is at a 45 degree angle. There will be a "surge" that forms - wait until that settles before filling the rest of your glass.

2. Most like Guinness to be served VERY COLD!

3. There is a "Guinness Lake" in Ireland that actually looks like a pint of Guinness.  The body of the lake is a dark, murky color while white sand top off the western side of the lake, making it look like the head of the beer.  I didn't quite believe it until I saw it.  Here's a picture from Wikipedia.

4. One of my favorite things to pair with Guinness?  Chocolate...well, actually dark chocolate.  Break out pieces and nibble on them throughout the night...or add a little Guinness to dark chocolate bread pudding - yum!

So, Sláinte!  (That what the Irish say when they toast - it means, "here's to good health!")