After a hearty semester in college, a trip back home was in order. Along with this trip home came a variety of bars to choose from. Living in Washington, D.C., my choices of where to get drunk are unlimited. However, D.C.'s hot spots are all scattered. And, let's face it, when you are feelin' it, the last thing you want to do is follow Google Maps to another bar.
As a girl who lives close to Georgetown and loves pubs, I couldn't help but write a review after my first visit to a fantastic Irish Pub in Georgetown, Rí Rá. After a couple cocktails and three rounds of shots, here's my opinion on the best beers at Rí Rá:
1. Weihenstephaner Original
This was super similar to Hefeweizen beer. It's description reads, "The long storage makes our yellow bright lager, “Original,” a flavourful beer enjoyed with fine poured, white foam. With a mild hoppy note and its pleasant fresh spicy taste, it goes very well with salads, poultry, stews or with a hearty snack."
I disagree mildly with the description. Being someone who is VERY picky about her hoppy beers and IPAs, I did not seem to notice a mild hoppy note. Just like a hefeweizen beer, it is very fresh tasting and very easy to drink.
2. Smithwick's
When in an Irish Pub! Smithwick's (pronounced "smittwick's" by everyone else) is the oldie but goodie that is usually served at Irish pubs. It's definitely a heavier beer. A delicious red ale, with no easy bitterness in the aftertaste. It has a hint of nutty fruitiness, but nothing overly dominant. Drink it slowly and enjoy the flavor.
A family of distinctively different ales: It's description reads, "Smithwick's might be the big brother of them all, but Smithwick's Pale Ale, a golden malt beer with deep grassy flavours more than holds its own. Then there's the dark gold beauty of Smithwick's Long Summer, with its chestnut hues, and suggestions of biscuit, roasted nuts and brown sugar. And the enigmatic Smithwick's Winter Spirit – a woody flavoured labour of love by our award-winning Master Brewers."
3. Magners Original Irish Ale
Probably my favorite cider ever. The one thing I don't like about ciders is that some of them are incredibly sweet. As our Irish bartender suggested, this should be served on ice and enjoyed on a hot summer day. That is definitely right. The ice gives it a crispiness that you wouldn't have without it. The cider is mostly sour with a hint of sweetness.
4. Kilkenny
Kilkenny has always been my favorite beer. After having it first while in Germany, I absolutely adored the taste ever since. This beer is usually served on nitro to keep it smooth and easy. This beer is a cream ale, which you can definitely notice.
This beer's description reads, "Unique due to its rich creamy head, the brand delivers a smooth flavourful taste and has 50% less carbonation than regular beers. It tastes smoother, but still retains the full flavoured characteristics of an imported ale."
No matter what anyone says I will always love this beer.
