Advanced / Intermediate English Lesson: (BEER) The House of Guinness.

/ General Information / By

What is your favourite beer?

Two Questions:  What nationality was St. Patrick (St Patricks Day) And what date is St. Patricks Day usually on?

My favourite beer has always been Guinness. Today we are going to learn some popular vocabulary about beer. In particular Guinness which is a strong Irish stout popular all over the world.

Introduction to the Irish Guinness family.

The Guinness family, synonymous with the iconic dark stout enjoyed worldwide, boasts a legacy that extends far beyond brewing. From their humble beginnings in 18th-century Dublin, the Guinness’s have shaped Irish industry, philanthropy, and culture for generations. This English lesson delves into the fascinating story of the Guinness family—exploring their entrepreneurial spirit, social impact, and the enduring influence that has made their name legendary both in Ireland and across the globe.

Section One:

Guinness, renowned for its dark velvety texture and rich flavour, is brewed using a process that combines tradition with innovation.  Although the key ingredients—water, barley, hops, and yeast—might appear simple, it is the precise roasting of the barley, which imparts Guinness’s signature dark hue, that distinguishes it from other stouts. Were the brewers alter this step even slightly, the resulting taste would be remarkably different.  Once fermentation has begun, during which the yeast transforms sugars into alcohol and carbon dioxide, the brew is allowed to mature, developing its complex notes.  Only after being subjected to rigorous quality checks, is Guinness finally ready to be enjoyed by enthusiasts worldwide.

Video Section one:  2:40 mins

Questions: COMMON EXPRESSIONS

    1. What does “dearly beloved” mean?
    2. What does the expression: “To poke a stick in a hornets nest” mean?
    3. What does the expression: “a chain is only as strong as its weakest link” mean?

Writing Exercise:

Write a 150-word essay entitled “My Favourite Beer,” describing in detail the characteristics that make this beer stand out to you. Focus particularly on its taste, using a wide range of adjectives such as: crisp, malty, hoppy, bitter, smooth, refreshing, robust, fruity, floral, earthy, tangy, sweet, or caramelized.  Include sensory details about the aroma, appearance, and aftertaste, and explain how these aspects contribute to your enjoyment. Describe the context in which you usually drink it—perhaps with friends at a cozy pub or relaxing at home after a long day. Reflect on any memories or emotions this beer evokes for you. Remember to organize your thoughts clearly, using vivid, descriptive language to engage the reader and convey your passion for your chosen beer. Aim for a balance between personal reflection and objective description, and ensure your essay is exactly 150 words.

Video Section Two: 2:40 mins

Question:

  1. Explain the best and most important way to pour a pint of Guinness.
  2. What is a creamy white head?
  3. What are the five signs of a good pint of Guinness in a pub?
  4. A shamrock head.  What is a shamrock?

QUIZ: You may Google the answers.

1. In which country was Guinness first brewed?
a) Scotland
b) England
c) Ireland
d) Wales

2. Who founded the Guinness brewery?
a) John Guinness
b) Arthur Guinness
c) Samuel Guinness
d) William Guinness

3. What year was Guinness first brewed?
a) 1659
b) 1759
c) 1859
d) 1959

4. What is the main ingredient that gives Guinness its dark color?
a) Roasted barley
b) Brown sugar
c) Black malt
d) Cocoa

5. Which famous Dublin location is home to the Guinness Storehouse?
a) Temple Bar
b) St. James’s Gate
c) Grafton Street
d) O’Connell Street

6. Approximately how long did Arthur Guinness sign the original lease for the brewery?
a) 9 years
b) 90 years
c) 900 years
d) 99 years

7. Which nitrogen:carbon dioxide ratio is commonly used to give Guinness its creamy head?
a) 100:0
b) 80:20
c) 25:75
d) 70:30

8. Guinness is often associated with which Irish holiday?
a) Easter
b) St. Patrick’s Day
c) Christmas
d) Halloween

9. What is the signature colour of the Guinness label?
a) Red
b) Blue
c) Green
d) Black

10. What symbol is featured on the Guinness logo?
a) A clover
b) A harp
c) A lion
d) A crown
_____________________________________________________________________________

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1. In which country was Guinness first brewed?
a) Scotland
b) England
c) Ireland
d) Wales
Answer: c) Ireland

2. Who founded the Guinness brewery?
a) John Guinness
b) Arthur Guinness
c) Samuel Guinness
d) William Guinness
Answer: b) Arthur Guinness

3. What year was Guinness first brewed?
a) 1659
b) 1759
c) 1859
d) 1959
Answer: b) 1759

4. What is the main ingredient that gives Guinness its dark color?
a) Roasted barley
b) Brown sugar
c) Black malt
d) Cocoa
Answer: a) Roasted barley

5. Which famous Dublin location is home to the Guinness Storehouse?
a) Temple Bar
b) St. James’s Gate
c) Grafton Street
d) O’Connell Street
Answer: b) St. James’s Gate

6. Approximately how long did Arthur Guinness sign the original lease for the brewery?
a) 9 years
b) 90 years
c) 900 years
d) 99 years
Answer: c) 900 years

7. Which nitrogen:carbon dioxide ratio is commonly used to give Guinness its creamy head?
a) 100:0
b) 80:20
c) 25:75
d) 70:30
Answer: b) 80:20

8. Guinness is often associated with which Irish holiday?
a) Easter
b) St. Patrick’s Day
c) Christmas
d) Halloween
Answer: b) St. Patrick’s Day

9. What is the signature color of the Guinness label?
a) Red
b) Blue
c) Green
d) Black
Answer: d) Black

10. What symbol is featured on the Guinness logo?
a) A clover
b) A harp
c) A lion
d) A crown
Answer: b) A harp