On this episode of Geography According to Carson, we will delve into the world of European beers, specifically the beer of the United Kingdom and Ireland. This podcast will discuss specific regional beers and what makes them special. We will also discuss the beer culture, which is very prevalent with such beer as Guinness Stout. 
	
	When one thinks of the United Kingdom, they would probably be inclined to think just of the England. While England does have the bulk of beer production in the UK, there is also Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. Each region has its own specific flavors and brands. Scotland has a growing beer market, with brands like Innis and Gunn, which started brewing in 2003, becoming very popular. The Republic of Ireland is dominated by Guinness. The most popular Guinness beer is Guinness Harp lager. While Guinness remains the crowd favorite, the craft beer market and other brands are slowly starting to take hold. 
	
	Beer has been instrumental to British culture since it was brought on the British Iles over 5000 years ago. Beer is mentioned in a multitude of books and stories, like Beowulf, where it is mentioned extensively. 

	Most of the popular ales, like Boddington’s and Newcastle, have roots in working class Northern English pubs. They were brewed in places like Manchester, which has a storied industrial history. 

	During the podcast we will discuss a couple of beers that are popular in the United Kingdom and Ireland, and around the world: Boddington’s Pub Ale and Guinness Stout.

Carson McCullough