Editor’s Note: Drink of the Week is a regular feature in The Oklahoma Daily and OUDaily.com. The Daily, however does not encourage underage or irresponsible drinking

Of all the alcoholic beverages out there, it seems like Guinness is one of the most divisive.

You either love it or you hate it, and there’s no in-between.

I’ve heard Guinness compared to motor oil and called “a meal in a glass.” There also seems to be this misconception that because Guinness is quite a heavy beer, it is very high in alcohol.

The first kind of Guinness brewed was Guinness Extra Stout, which is a kind of porter from the West Indies. Porters are characterized by a rich, malty taste and are often aged in barrels.

Today, we mostly see Guinness Draught, which is a bit weaker in taste and alcohol content than the Stout.

One of the things that makes Guinness stand out from other beers is its smooth and creamy texture. This is due to the beer being brewed with nitrogen and very low levels of carbon dioxide.

When drinking Guinness, I believe there is certain etiquette involved.

First of all, insist on a proper pour.

I’ve left pints of Guinness undrunk because they were poured wrong.

Guinness Draught should be poured into a tulip-shaped pint glass. The glass should be filled 3/4 of the way until it settles, then be topped off with a thick, dome shaped head.

According to Guinness, this process should take 119.53 seconds. Time the bartender, I dare you.

Secondly, don’t order a Guinness mixed with a lighter beer. Blends such as a Black and Tan or Half and Half, which are half Guinness, half lager or pale ale, have become popular in the United States. Go big or go home. Plus, you’re totally compromising the tastes of two distinct beers.

Now for the best part: nutritional facts.

Studies have shown that Guinness Draught can be good for the heart due to antioxidants that decrease cholesterol build up on artery walls.

The best news is Guinness is brewed without wheat, which means there is no gluten and, FYI, gluten=beer belly.

I have actually convinced myself that Guinness is “healthy beer.” Is this an oxymoron? I don’t know. You be the judge.

But keep in the mind this Guinness slogan of the 1920s that was coined after market research showed that Guinness drinkers felt good after drinking a pint: “Guinness is Good for You.”