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Murphy’s (Murphys) is in the top three Irish stouts with a worldwide reputation. Considered milder and less bitter in taste than its closest competitor, Guinness. In the Scottish city of Cork, where the brewery is located, the brand is preferred by 28% of residents. The brand is owned by Heineken International, one of the industry leaders. Beer is sold in 40 countries around the world.
History of the brand
The brewery in Cork was built by James Murphy in 1856 on the site of a former hospital building. The plant’s products were a success in local pubs, and four years later the enterprise took one of the first places in the country in terms of production volumes. In 1892, Murphy’s beer won its first gold medal at an exhibition in the Irish city of Dublin.
In the 20s, part of the factory buildings burned down in a fire that practically destroyed the central part of Cork. The British government came to the aid of businessmen and compensated for the cost of repairs. The famous Murphy’s stout was released in 1921 and immediately gained great popularity in the country due to its original taste and competent advertising. The brewery was badly damaged by the bombings during the Second World War, but was completely restored and continued its work.
The last descendant of the first owners led the company until 1981. By this time, the brand was already well known in the United States. At home, Murphy’s is not very common and occupies less than five percent of the UK beer market. Since the late 80s, the rights to the trademark have changed hands several times and eventually ended up with Heineken International.
Murphy’s Stout was conceived as a milder alternative to Guinness beer. The wort is brewed from a mixture of malted and plain barley. The water comes from a local spring called Lady’s Well. The banks contain the so-called nitrogen capsule. Before closing, a plastic ball with gas is placed in a metal container, which increases the pressure inside. When the can is opened, the beer that has entered the capsule comes out, forming a large amount of foam. The technology was invented in Guinness and is called the Floating Widget.
Interesting Facts
The first advertising campaign of the company began in 1893. The posters depicted the then-famous athlete Evgeny Sandow, raising a horse over his head. The slogan read: “Murphy’s stout makes you strong!”. This idea was taken up by the owners of Guinness and several decades later they released similar advertising posters with the inscription: “Guinness for strength.”
In 1913, a huge barrel of wort exploded at the factory, and more than 100 liters of porter spilled onto the surrounding streets. A porter passing by almost drowned in the stream, he had to swim to escape. The incident has gone down in the annals of the city’s history forever.
Types of beer Murphys
Murphy’s Irish Stout, 4%
An almost black drink with a medium-bodied body and a lush cream-colored head. The aroma has hints of roasted barley and hops. The taste is dry and velvety with hints of strong coffee and caramel. The stout is easy to drink due to the lack of bitterness.
Murphy’s Irish Red, 5%
A traditional Irish ale that accompanies all national holidays. Caramelized malt gives the beer ruby hues. Aroma of grain with an admixture of floral notes. On the palate, caramel sweetness and hop bitterness are well balanced. The plant produces the variety only in bottles, the main part of the production is exported.
Murphy’s Christmas Brew, 4%
Limited edition noel beer, which is produced especially for the Christmas holidays. Fruit, cinnamon, cloves and nutmeg are felt in the aroma and taste. Can be drunk cold or warm.
