Happy Saint Patrick’s Day! Are you a Guinness enthusiast, or new to the world of this beloved imperial stout? Whether you are an amateur connoisseur or have been drinking it for years, there is much more to Guinness than just its famous dark color and creamy texture. With roots tracing back nearly 250 years ago, today’s Guinness stands as a symbol of Ireland’s rich culture, flavorful craftsmanship and timeless appeal.

From its first beer brewed in Dublin in 1759 up through the contemporary recipes being concocted today – learning about this amazing Irish beverage can provide insight into why it’s still so popular worldwide. Let’s explore where it all began!

A Brief History of Guinness

Let’s take a quick stroll down memory lane, back to the 18th century, where the iconic Irish brew we all know and love, Guinness, first came to life. The year was 1759, when the ambitious Arthur Guinness signed a mind-blowing 9,000-year lease on a small, rundown brewery located in St. James’s Gate, Dublin. Little did he know that this bold move would lay the foundation for a globally renowned stout that’s not only synonymous with Ireland but would also grace the bars and pubs of over 150 countries worldwide!

Over the centuries, the secret behind Guinness’ distinct, velvety taste has been passed down through generations of skilled brewers. These folks have maintained the balance between innovation and tradition, making sure this beloved stout maintains its signature allure.

Exploring the Flavors of Guinness

Do you ever wonder what makes the famous Guinness beer so unique and beloved by many? Well, it’s none other than its distinctive, full-bodied flavor that keeps beer enthusiasts coming back for more! What’s interesting is that this rich taste is concocted from a blend of seemingly simple ingredients – malted and roasted barley, hops, water, and yeast. The magic begins when the roasted barley imparts that signature dark color and just the right amount of toasty sweetness to the brew with a subtle hint of dark chocolate.

Meanwhile, the hops lend a touch of bitterness to create a perfect balance with the malty backbone, while the yeast contributes to the creamy, velvety mouthfeel we all know and love. It’s this combination of flavors and textures that makes every sip of Guinness an unforgettable experience and cements its status as a go-to choice for beer aficionados. So, the next time you raise a pint of this iconic brew, take a moment to appreciate the artistry behind its creation and savor the unique tastes dancing on your palate! Cheers!

From its humble beginnings centuries ago, Guinness has become an iconic part of the world’s culture. The unique flavors created by its special blend of ingredients is one of the many reasons why it has become a staple in many countries. Now, with these tips and tricks, you can enjoy Guinness like never before!

Whether you want to try it for the first time or are just looking for new ways to enjoy your favorite beverage, Guinness has something to offer for everyone. Visit Payless Liquors for the best selection of Irish beer and craft beer and join us in celebrating one of Dublin’s oldest traditions. Cheers!

It’s Saint Patrick’s Day, and it’s time to raise a glass and enjoy your favorite drinks! Whether you’re looking for something traditional, or something new and exciting, Payless Liquors has you covered. Here are eight of our favorite perfect drinks to help you celebrate the Irish holiday:

1. The Pot O’ Gold: We all know about the mythical pot of gold at the end of a rainbow, so why not create one in drink form? Mix equal parts whiskey and orange juice before adding several splashes of grenadine for color. Top it off with soda water and you’ve got yourself a golden beverage!

2. Irish Sour: This drink is sure to be a crowd pleaser, combining equal parts of whiskey and lime juice with a teaspoon of sugar syrup or simple syrup. Shake it up with ice and pour over crushed ice for an extra cool effect.

3. Irish Flag Shooter: Nothing says St Patrick’s Day like the colors green, white and orange! Layer one part each of Baileys, White Crème de Menthe and Grand Marnier in that order for this tasty shooter.

4. Celtic Colada: If you prefer something a little more tropical then you can’t go wrong with our Celtic Colada! Just mix together equal parts malibu coconut rum, blue curacao, pineapple juice and cream of coconut for a refreshing twist on the classic pina colada.

5. The Leprechaun: This surprisingly simple drink is a great way to get your Saint Patrick’s Day party going! Just mix equal parts green creme de menthe, vodka and lime juice in an ice-filled shaker before straining into chilled glasses.

6. Shamrock Screech: If you’re looking for something a little more punchy then this is the drink for you! Mix 1 part white rum with 2 parts Irish whiskey and several splashes of green chartreuse to give it that extra kick. Serve in lowball glasses over crushed ice with a sprig of mint as garnish.

7. Dublin Mule: Not feeling like whiskey? Then you should try our take on the classic Moscow mule, the Dublin mule! This drink combines equal parts Irish whiskey, lime juice and ginger beer for a unique twist on an old favorite.

8. The Blarney Stone: Last but not least, we present to you The Blarney Stone! Mix together one part gin with two parts cranberry juice before adding a dash of triple sec or orange liqueur and several splashes of lemon juice. Serve it over ice and garnish with a slice of orange for an extra punch of flavor.

There you have it- 8 drinks that are sure to make your Saint Patrick’s Day one to remember! Whether you’re looking for something fruity, creamy or just plain strong we’ve got the perfect drink for everyone. Stop by Payless Liquors today and get the ingredients to make your celebrations extra special. Sláinte!

Winter is always associated with the holidays. But what happens when the decorations are put away, the tree is at the curb, and the confetti is swept up? While you’re recovering from the extended family time you just experienced, you don’t have to let the cold weather keep you down. Finding new experiences this winter can start with finding the right winter beer that fits your tastes. Make your winter a little warmer by educating yourself on the types of beers that seem to be made for the season.

• Often dark and bitter, these beers will leave you feeling like you just had a meal. Not only will they fill you with warmth, but with flavors reminiscent of coffee, licorice, and chocolate, stouts give you a creamy and rich experience.
• Displaying deep browns and reddish colors, porters are easily recognizable with their creamy heads. They provide you with the perfect warmth when you want something a little less bold than a stout. But be ready to feel full with this slightly bitter heavy beer that boasts faint chocolate flavors.
• Imperial beers are often thought to be extra boozy. These beers are not for the all-day drinking that you may want to do if your afternoon is filled with movies on the couch. Easily sneaking up on you, these will certainly leave you ready for a nap. The extra alcohol content is like an extra blanket that will leave you feeling snug as a bug in a rug.
• Bourbon on its own is a great liquor, but when used in the brewing process, it provides a unique flavor profile. To infuse this flavor, brewers will use a barrel-aging process to infuse the flavors in. These beers will boast oaky flavors that are best infused into heavy, high-alcohol beers, making them perfect for winter.
• Chocolate and coffee. While stouts and porters have natural chocolate and coffee flavors, brewers have become particularly skilled at intentionally adding these flavors to their beer. Heavy and dark, these brews are a great complement to the winter weather.
• Not just for the holidays, these brews are slowly gaining popularity. While not an all-day beer, the spicy taste of eggnog blends well with heavier and darker beers. Try it as a dessert after your favorite winter meal.

Trying a new beer this winter is more than just identifying the tastes that appeal to you. It is about the experience of discovery. So, as you venture into exploring new flavors, make sure you practice good techniques by using the right glass for your beer, serving at the right temperature, and pouring it in a way that complements the flavor.

At Payless Liquors, our team can help you identify the best beers to try this winter and the best way to experience the tastes. Our team prides itself on helping our customers discover the best beer, wine, and liquor for them.

Whether you are looking strictly for the winter or finding a new favorite all year long, come into Payless Liquors and let us be a part of your flavor journey.

Summer is long gone, and you may be looking forward to the warmth of spring, but winter doesn’t have to be all about the cold. When the temperatures drop, turn up the heat in your kitchen with homemade cocktails. Whether you are hosting a group of friends or you are enjoying a quiet night in, these classic drinks will bring you all the warmth you need on those cold winter nights.

• Warm Spiced Sangria. Don’t be afraid to serve your wine warm. Raising the temperature just a little and mulling it with allspice, cloves, black peppercorns, and orange rinds will lay the foundation for this warming cocktail. Mix it with juice and garnish with an apple slice and cinnamon stick to complement the perfect night in front of the fire.
• Hot Buttered Rye. It’s well known that people turn to bourbon for its warming qualities, but mixing it with maple syrup, ginger, and nutmeg makes this drink the perfect sipping drink for your favorite winter movie. Top with whipped cream, and enjoy!
• Boozy Butter Mint White Hot Chocolate. Hot chocolate in winter isn’t just for the kids. This variation is perfect for adults. While you can create any variation that you want, this version blends white chocolate, vanilla, and butter mints together and finishes with Irish cream liqueur. It will give you a hot chocolate that brings back memories of throwing snowballs, building snow forts, and sledding down your favorite hill.
• Smuggler’s Coffee. Everyone loves a warm cup of coffee, but now imagine your favorite brew mixed with liquor. Put down the Irish cream and grab the rum, both gold and dark, and mix it in with your favorite cup of coffee. Add a little cinnamon and orange zest to the top of this drink, and enjoy this boozy pick-me-up.

Here are our four favorites we hope you’ll enjoy.

• Hot Toddy. While there are many variations to this cocktail, the classic recipe is still one of a kind. When the temperatures drop, mix together ¾ cup of hot water, 1.5 ounces of your favorite whiskey, 2 – 3 teaspoons of honey, and 2 – 3 teaspoons of lemon juice, and garnish with a cinnamon stick and lemon twist. If you want to take it to the next level, use your favorite tea instead of lemon.
• Mulled Wine. This can be a great way to heat up your favorite wine. Start with a bottle of your favorite dry red wine, a ¼ cup of brandy, one cut-up orange, eight whole cloves, two sticks of cinnamon, two stars of star anise, and 2 to 4 tablespoons of your favorite sweetener (such as sugar, honey, or maple syrup). Combine together and heat to just below simmering (bubbling will remove the alcohol). Reduce heat and let sit for at least 15 minutes or up to 3 hours.
• Hot Buttered Rum. Mixing together your favorite fall spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves) with ⅔ cup brown sugar, ½ cup of butter, ¼ cup of honey, ¾ cup of spiced rum, and 2 cups of boiling water will give you a delicious and silky winter drink.
• Irish coffee. Simply made but delicious, Irish coffee uses 1 cup of your favorite coffee and blends it with one tablespoon of brown sugar, 1.5 ounces of Irish whiskey, and slightly whipped heavy cream.

It might be cold outside, but with these drinks, you’re sure to raise the temperature. Stop by your local Payless Liquor store today and pick up everything you need to keep yourself warm this winter.

From fireplaces to blankets to curling up with our loved ones on the couch, nothing says winter like that warm feeling our bodies seek. There is something about those heavy sweaters that can remind you of comfort and relaxation. But something else happens when we experience these cold nights; our palates find themselves craving warm and full-bodied flavors. As the seasons move from barbecues in the backyard to the peaceful falling of snow, our stomachs crave those hearty winter meals. And what goes better with a good meal? A great glass of wine.

As the seasons change, it’s a great time to explore new flavors of wine. No matter what mood you may be in, certain wines fare better for the winter months. It should bring you warmth and comfort. Perhaps you prefer to stick to your favorite wine choices, but here are some suggestions if you’re ready to branch out.

Tips for Choosing a Wine

When choosing a wine for winter, you may find different characteristics of the wine that seem to just hit a little differently. Here are some suggestions to help you choose the one that is just right:

● Acidity | Wines that are higher in acidity tend to pair better with foods that are sweeter or contain more fat. From holidays to Super Bowl parties, you may find many of these types of foods more of a staple in the winter months. Wines that are higher in acid include Rieslings, Sauvignon Blancs, Chenin Blancs, Chardonnays, Pinot Noirs, and Grenaches.

● Alcohol content | Not all wines are the same when it comes to alcohol content. In fact, the alcohol content in wine will help you determine if the wine is sweet or dry. Higher alcohol contents tend to indicate a dryer wine. When considering how to pair a wine with food, you will want to consider how dry a wine is. A great recommendation is to pair sweeter wines with more savory foods, as the counteracting qualities of each mean neither are too overpowering.

● Region of the wine | Where the wine comes from matters when picking the one that is right for you. The region of wine can play a part in its characteristics of it. As an example, a grape grown in cooler weather won’t ripen as quickly and leaves the resulting wine higher in acidity and lower in sugar. It is often recommended to pair your wine and food together based on region. If pasta is on the dinner plate, pour a glass of Italian wine to complement it.

Payless Liquors

If you’re not sure what to have this winter, stop into any Payless Liquors and let our team help you choose what’s right for you. Whether you’re ready to branch out from your usual, you’re making a favorite family recipe, or it’s a popcorn and movie night by the fire, we can help you pair the perfect wine for the perfect evening to leave you with all the warmth you need this winter.