Harp is an Irish beer produced by Guinness Ireland Group Ltd, the brewer behind the famous Guinness stout. Unlike most Irish beers, Harp is a bottom-fermented lager. Very popular with lovers of light, thirst-quenching beer, Harp is an excellent alternative if you’re not a fan of dark or red beer.
Harp is a beer that began to be brewed around the middle of the 20th century. The company was soon acquired by the Guinness group, which saw fit to expand its beer range, targeting both stout and lager lovers. Harp is one of the only Lager beers produced by an Irish brewery.
In terms of design, the Harp traditionally features a harp with some similarities to those of Guinness. This symbol alone represents Ireland’s national identity, making Harp one of Ireland’s flagship spirits.
Harp comes from a very specific fermentation process called “Pils”. This method, borrowed from the Czech Republic in the 1850s, involves using fermentation yeast in the lower part of the vat only. Fermentation lasts between 7 and 10 days, at a temperature of 5°C to 10°C, and requires the addition of low-grade yeast must, which gives the wine its blond color.
In terms of taste, Harp is a light beer (6.2°). Very fruity, its bitterness is not very pronounced, although barley notes are very present on the palate. Generally speaking, Harp is often very rich in carbon dioxide due to its low fermentation, so serve it draught rather than bottled: the consistency of your beer will be nothing like it.
In Ireland, Harp is a very common beer, served in most good Irish Pubs. It’s usually served on draught, although it’s also commercially available in bottles and cans. Expect to pay around €2/3 for a pint in a pub.
If you’d like to try this beer in France, a few supermarkets sell it from time to time. Also, if you’re near a Comptoir Irlandais, don’t hesitate to drop in: they usually serve Irish beers, including Harp.
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