Black and Tan

Can’t decide between a pale ale or a dark stout? The Black and Tan gives you both.

When I was around 19 or 20 years old, my family spent a weekend in Baltimore during the summer, right on the waterfront. My aunt worked for a hotel chain and we got hooked up with the presidential suite, free wine and all. After walking around the harbor and checking out an IMAX movie at the Science Center (Everest I believe), we went to a nearby tavern for dinner. Sitting at a long table with views of the water, my mom ordered me a Black and Tan. Well, technically she ordered herself one, but gave it to me, wink-wink. Not quite old enough to legally imbibe, I felt pretty cool sipping on the two-toned beer. Each mouthful was a glorious mix of creamy Guinness and bubbly Bass. Being a total novice, the drink totally went to my head. And my cheddar burger was the greatest I had ever tasted as a result. Thanks, Ma!

This type of beer mixture has been around for a very long time, since the 1700s and originally hailing from England. Back then, beers that were sold at different strengths would be taxed according to the level of alcohol in them. The higher the content, the higher the tax. So to get around this, brewers would combine stronger beers with weaker ones in order to get the lower rates. While the first mentions of the name Black and Tan referencing a drink popped up in the late 1800s, both in America and the UK, many people have associated this beverage with Ireland. But ordering one by name there isn’t advised.

During Ireland’s push for independence in the 1920s, a British paramilitary unit nicknamed the Black and Tans were brought in to quell any rebellious activities, often brutally. They were comprised of battle-hardened World War I veterans, and wore makeshift combos of army khakis and dark green RIC (Royal Irish Constabulary) uniforms, which looked black in color. Thus their name. Striking terror all over Ireland, often burning and looting towns and villages, the Black and Tans more often than not punished the wrong people and drove many citizens to the side of the rebels.

Because of the Irish side of my family, we grew up listening to the country’s rebel songs, many of which spoke of those times. Whenever the Black and Tans were mentioned, it was never in a pleasant context. When I had my first Black and Tan drink in Baltimore, I remember thinking about its name in relation to history. While it might not be a big deal ordering them in America, it’s considered offensive across the pond. If you’re ever traveling through the Emerald Isle, and you find yourself in a cozy pub with a friendly barkeep, don’t order this drink by the name we’ve been referring to. Ask for a Half and Half, instead.

What is the Best Beer to Use in a Black and Tan?

The more well-known and famous way to make this drink is by using Guinness, an Irish stout, and Bass, a British pale ale. Interesting combination considering some of the history discussed, but these brews work wonderfully well together. With the amber-colored beer on bottom and the dark one floating on top, you get a beautifully melded sip every time you bring the glass to your lips.

FAQs & Tips

Black and Tan Variations

Some of the simplest and most satisfying drinks you can make at home are beer cocktails. Often, like the Black and Tan, they’re easy combinations of two types of oat sodas. Other times they can be mixed to great effect and flavor with certain spirits or sparkling wines. Check out some of these other versions and similar drinks below.

• Black and Blue – Take your Guinness and combine it with a Blue Moon Belgian wheat ale.
• Tequila and Beer – Close to a margarita, but mixed with an ice-cold cerveza.
• Black Velvet – One of my favorite tipples, this cocktail layers Guinness and champagne for a surprisingly potent drink.
• Michelada – Do you like your beers hot and spicy? You’ll want to give the Michelada a spin.