Brew Master: “Black and Tan”

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The traditional “black and tan” is a 50/50 mixture of stout and pale ale. If you order a black and tan in The States, you’ll usually get a forced smile from the bartender who does not want to put the effort into pouring one. Then, after a couple of minutes of intense concentration, the bartender will hand you a pint of what looks a lot like the Louisiana coast. It’s usually a separated mixture of Bass and Guinness in which the creamy dark brown Guinness floats above the golden brown Bass.

If you want to try something flavorful but not too heavy, try diving into a black and tan. It’s a tasty and highly drinkable alternative to “dark beer.” Luckily, you don’t have to bother a bartender to get one. You can stop by your favorite liquor store and pick up an inexpensive six pack of Saranac Black & Tans. You can get into it for about $6.99 a six pack at Fairfield Wines and Spirits.

In case you’re wondering what it tastes like, it’s pleasantly bitter at the start and finishes surprisingly sweet. It’s a lot like biting into a piece of Ghirardelli bittersweet chocolate. However, because it is premixed at the brewery, it won’t separate into that beautiful “oil above water” pattern that black and tans are known for. Nonetheless, it’s a tasteful and inexpensive alternative to the traditional Guinness and Bass black and tan.

Although I highly recommend trying a Saranc Black & Tan, I would not recommend ordering one in Ireland. This is because, much like ordering a “Car Bomb” in an Irish pub, you’d probably at least get kicked out. This is because both terms refer to Ireland’s volatile past that the Irish take to heart. Just as “Car Bombs” refer to the IRA, so do “Black and Tans” refer to the Royal Irish Constabulary Reserve Force sent into Ireland by Winston Churchill. This paramilitary force was nicknamed The Black and Tans.

So, if you’re looking for something flavorful, but not too heavy or dark, try a six pack of Saranac Black & Tan. For those of you who live in states that sell Yuengling, try a Yuengling Black and Tan. These come in cans and are also very affordable. If you are a fan of Southport Brewery, you can get a pint of their brand of black and tan for $2 a pint during happy hour. Whether it’s in a bottle, can, or pint, they’re delicious and can be surprisingly inexpensive.