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Ah, St. Patrick’s Day is almost here. Soon Lenten restrictions on eating and drinking will be lifted and the Catholics of the world will be celebrating the life of St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland.
Is that not how you know it?
How about the day that people of all races cling to their 12% Irish heritage and get trousered with their friends? That’s more familiar. But when the world guzzles green Bud Light and pint after pint of Guinness, we’ve got a few crafty alternatives for you.
Top O’ the Morning!
You can’t drink all day, if you don’t start in the morning, and you can’t show up empty-handed to whatever parade, river-dyeing, or otherwise faux ethnic event you have planned. You can count on these Irish Ales to get your day started right.
Boulevard Irish Ale – A beer for the people. What better way to kick off the Irish event of the year than a hoppy Irish number with a roasted malty backbone?
Thomas Hooker Irish Red – Another strong Irish Ale for an Irish day. Red wheat, crystal malts, and English hops give this beer a delectable red hue.
Honorable Mention: Dogfish Head Verdi Verdi Good – It’s cruel of me to mention this one since it is retired, but how awesome would you be if you showed up with a beer that was naturally green straight out of the bottle? This one has a green tint to it thanks to the addition of spirulina, an ancient food of the Aztecs. I applaud your resourcefulness, Dogfish.
Be a Finisher
St. Patrick’s is a marathon event, and if you don’t treat it as such, you’ll be napping by noon. Sip on one of these light yet tasty Irish Ales to keep room in your stomach and a smile on your face.
Harpoon Celtic Ale – This Irish Red is easy to drink without compromising taste. A mix of malt and caramel notes will help you stay in the spirit, literally.
Great Lakes Conway’s Irish Ale – Malty but sweet, this one exhibits hops and a light body to perk up the dwindling enthusiasm without weighing you down.
Hair of the Dog
Are you regretting your Finisher status? The aftermath of a day like St. Pat’s is not easily shaken. Try these smooth elixirs to cure what ails ya.
Boundary Bay Scotch Ale – Caramel sweetness with smoky overtones. Friendly to the grumblings in your stomach.
Short’s Uncle Steve’s Irish Stout – Bust out this semisweet chocolaty treat for an effect as soothing as chocolate milk on a 6-year-old at nap time.
Ode to Ireland
St. Patrick’s Day is about two things: beer and being Irish. Saddle up to the bar with one of these, and you’ll give even the ginger in the kilt a run for his money.
Three Floyd’s Brian Boru Old Irish Red – This citrusy, hoppy delight pays homage to the first King of Ireland. After his mother was killed by Vikings, he devoted his life to uniting the many tribes of Ireland. After successfully doing so, he was killed on Good Friday while quelling a rebellion. Nonchalantly toss that story out there, then take a sip and watch jaws drop.
Jasper Murdock’s Whistling Pig Red Ale – With a deep red hue and a strong malty presence balanced out by a hoppy aftertaste, this is the perfect representation of an Irish Ale.
Before you know it, the streets will be empty and littered with green debris and queasy regret. So for now, grab some good beer and good friends and cheers to kilts and bagpipes!
Tóg go bog é!
