One of the many joys of visiting Dublin for a rugby international is sitting watching the sun set over Dublin Bay with a cold pint of Guinness for company, a drop of the black stuff always seems to taste that little bit better in the emerald isle.

There a few myths about this wonderful creation, firstly it is not made with water from the nearby River Liffey, that flows alongside the St James’s gate brewery in the heart of Dublin, the water actually comes from the beautiful Wicklow mountains further south.

Also, I hate to tell you, Guinness is not actually black, but rather a dark shade of red, a colour the brewers attribute to the roasting of malted barley during the preparation process.

As sponsors of the Six Nations Tournament Guinness have provided a slick and stylish addition to the brand, added to that is there delightful sense of humour which echoes through their media advertisements.

When Ireland lost to the All Blacks at RWC 2019 they even suggested their followers have a pint of Carlsberg, as shown below.

Another surprising fact to the uninitiated is the news that a pint comprises of only 210 calories a a relatively low alcohol content. On average, beer contains 5% ABV, while Guinness clocks in at just 4.2%.

Its creamy texture is not associated with increased calories because it comes from using nitrogen instead of carbon dioxide in the carbonation process. Nitrogen bubbles are much smaller than their carbon alternatives, creating a smooth, creamy and less fizzy finish.

Guinness may help to boost iron levels, It was once given to post-operative patients and pregnant or nursing women in an attempt to fortify iron and until 2009 blood donors in Ireland used to get a free pint of Guinness after they gave blood.

I have to confess that my intake of the Six Nations sponsors product over the last 12 months has been consistent, but arguably not excessive, and until I can stroll once again to my favourite watering hole in Dun Laoghaire overlooking Dublin Bay, I shall Maintain my consistency from afar and the comfort of my own fridge.

Sláinte