I can't answer for brunswick, and everyones taste palletes vary, but in my experience there is a significant difference. I lived in England for almost 7 years (but not Ireland). Guinness on tap in the States is pretty close. Guinness in a bottle or can, in the states, is horrible. I can't be sure, but I personally think this is because of pasteurization requirements in the states (pasteurization can lower the alcohol content and leave behind an after taste - just compare unpasteurized milk, regular milk, and ultra-pasteurized milk and you'll understand what I mean). It's the same reason other import beers don't measure up to the versions served in their originating countries (along with alcohol content - which is typically higher in England and other European countries). For example, import versions of Newcastle Brown Ale and Heinekin don't taste nearly as good as they do in England and Germany (I think they are both about 4% to 5% in the states - same as American Budweiser - whereas in their respective homes, they are about 7% to 10%).
Guinness on tap in England is unparalleled (unless on tap in Ireland is even better). Nectar of the Gods, my friend. Nectar of the Gods.
![]()
Just on the whole Guinness question, I used to go to Cons in England (Gamesfair and Gencon UK in the late 80s and early 90s) and the bar staff pulled the Guinness pints just like they pulled the bitter and it tasted awful. Maybe they have improved things since those days but I still reckon that if you want a decent pint of creamy Guinness, then check out an Irish Pint! (tourism operator hat off now!).
