Today we will talk about one of the most iconic brands of Irish beer: Murphy’s. Although most of us know the famous Guinness brand, Murphy’s has an equally fascinating history, full of curiosities and anecdotes that we cannot overlook.
Unlike Guinness, Murphy’s beer is smoother and creamier, making it easier to drink for those who are not accustomed to strong beer. However, this does not mean that Murphy’s is less authentic or tasty.
In fact, it is a very popular Irish beer worldwide, especially in countries such as the United Kingdom, Canada, or the United States. According to recent data, it is estimated that around 500,000 liters of Murphy’s beer are consumed daily worldwide. In addition, the brand has expanded in recent years and can now be found in more than 40 countries.
Origins of Murphy's beer
It turns out that back in the 19th century, there was a man named James J. Murphy who had a beer factory in Cork, Ireland. He had a keen eye for making beers that everyone liked, and soon his beer became famous throughout the country.
But he did not settle for that, no sir. He decided that he wanted to expand and take his beer to other places in the world. So he began to send barrels of beer on ships to England and beyond. And guess what? Everyone loved it.
Furthermore, it is said that Murphy’s beer was the first beer to be transported on refrigerated ships, allowing it to reach even more distant destinations without losing its flavor.
Today, Murphy’s beer is one of the most popular beers in Ireland and can be found in bars all over the world.
Difference between Guinness and Murphy's
Guinness’ beer and Murphy’s beer are two beers of Irish origin, but they have some notable differences.
Flavor
Guinness beer has a smokier and toastier flavor, while Murphy's beer is smoother and fruitier.
Texture
Guinness is known for its creamy and thick texture, while Murphy's has a lighter and more bubbly texture.
Colour
The version of Murphy's beer you will find in Temple Bar is a Red Ale. Therefore, its color is a golden reddish color, while Guinness beer is a black beer.
Alcohol content
Murphy's beer has a slightly higher alcohol content than Guinness. Guinness has around 4.2%, while Murphy's has approximately 5%.
How to serve a good Murphy's
One of the main curiosities of Murphy’s beer is that it uses a two-stage fermentation method, which means that the beer is fermented twice.
The first fermentation is carried out in open tanks, while the second is carried out in closed barrels. This gives the beer its unique and smooth flavor.
Another interesting curiosity is that Murphy’s beer is served with a dense and creamy foam that stays on the surface for longer than the foam of other beers. This is because the beer is served through a special spout called a “sparkler”, which infuses the beer with nitrogen and carbon dioxide to create the perfect foam.
