Not everyone in an Irish pub wants a stout, and Harp is the answer. Brewed in Dundalk by the makers of Guinness, it is Ireland’s best-known pale lager, a crisp, clean, unfussy beer designed for easy drinking. It is not going to blow anyone away, but as a refreshing Irish lager it does its job well. I picked up a batch for this guide to round out the range.
Harp Lager at a glance
| Style | Irish pale lager |
| ABV | 4.5% |
| Calories | Around 150 per 12 fl oz |
| Brewery | Guinness / Diageo, Dundalk, Ireland |
| Character | Light grain, gentle hops, crisp, clean |
| Best served | Ice cold, in a lager glass |
How it tastes, by the numbers
This is a light, crisp, easy pale lager, built for refreshment rather than complexity.
The full review
It pours a clear pale gold with a fluffy white head. The aroma is light and clean, a little grain and a gentle floral hop note, nothing intense.
The flavour is crisp and simple. There is a light grainy malt, a gentle hop presence and a clean, dry, refreshing finish. It is smooth and inoffensive, an easy beer built for drinking cold on a warm day.
It is not a complex or characterful beer, and it does not pretend to be. It is a solid, refreshing pale lager, the Irish equivalent of the well-known international lagers, and it fills the gap for anyone who wants something light in a country famous for its stout.
Judged for what it is, an easy, refreshing lager, it is perfectly good. It rounds out any Irish beer lineup as the light, crisp option.
Not everyone in an Irish pub wants a stout, and Harp is the crisp, clean answer.
- Crisp, clean and refreshing
- Very easy to drink
- A reliable Irish lager option
- From the makers of Guinness
- Light on flavour and character
- Nothing to set it apart from other lagers
Who it is for
If you want a light, crisp, refreshing Irish lager as an alternative to stout, Harp is the classic choice. Best served ice cold on a warm day.
Harp Lager FAQs
What does Harp Lager taste like?
Light grainy malt with a gentle hop note and a clean, dry, refreshing finish. It is a simple, crisp pale lager rather than a characterful craft beer.
Who makes Harp Lager?
Harp is brewed in Dundalk, Ireland, by Diageo, the same company that makes Guinness.
How strong is Harp Lager?
It is 4.5% ABV, a standard-strength, easy-drinking pale lager.
Where to buy Harp Lager
Harp Lager is widely imported and sold across the US in bottles and cans. Buy it using the button above and serve it ice cold.
The verdict
Harp is Ireland’s classic pale lager, crisp, clean and refreshing. It will not win awards for complexity, but as the light, easy alternative to a stout it does its job well.
FAQs
Who makes Harp Lager?
Harp Lager is brewed by Guinness / Diageo (owned by Diageo).
What kind of beer is Harp Lager?
Harp Lager is an Irish pale lager, at 4.5% ABV.
How much alcohol is in Harp Lager?
Harp Lager has an ABV of 4.5%.
How many calories are in Harp Lager?
Harp Lager has Around 150 per 12 fl oz, based on the brewery’s published nutrition information.
Is Harp Lager gluten free?
No. Like most traditional beers, Harp Lager is brewed from barley and/or wheat, both of which contain gluten.
How can I make Harp Lager taste better?
Serve it at the right temperature and in the right glass (see below), or use it as the base for a beer cocktail. Our beer cocktails guide has recipes worth trying.
Where is Harp Lager made?
Harp Lager is brewed by Guinness / Diageo in Dundalk, Ireland. For more from that country, see our best Ireland beers guide.
How do I open Harp Lager without a bottle opener?
A lighter, a sturdy key, a spoon, or the edge of a table all work in a pinch. See our full guide on opening a beer without a bottle opener for 8 methods that actually work.
What glass should I use for Harp Lager?
Ice cold, in a lager glass. See our beer glassware guide if you want to match the glass to the style exactly.
