You don't have to "GO Green" to celebrate all things Irish on March 17. What began as a religious holiday has morphed into an international festival celebrating Irish culture. Parades, food, and the drinks. We have an array of Irish ales, stouts and lagers to share with you. Here are some of our favorite Irish beers.
Oh, ALE YES! Ireland produces outstanding thick pours.
If the first name you think of in Irish beer is Guinness, we couldn't blame you. There is something magical about a pint of thick, creamy, frothy Irish tradition. And, around 13 MILLION pints of Guinness are expected to be consumed on St. Patrick's Day alone. We'll start with the obvious and hope you'll also try a few other Irish ales, stouts and lagers
- Guinness Draught, Extra Stout, and Foreign Extra Stout — Steeped deep in tradition: Guinness. Since it's just 4.2% ABV and low in calories feel free to indulge (in moderation). "Guinness is Good for You" was a catchy marketing slogan in the late 1920s, though there is no scientific data to prove, or disapprove. Just saying. You could always go with the "Extraordinary Irish Beer Variety Pack," brought to you from Guinness. One box, four styles, eight bottles. One good time.
- Murphy's Irish Stout — Brewed using all natural ingredients, which includes pale malt, roasted materials, water, hops and yeast. Tip: You can get that "tap" pour at home. The widget, found in Murphy's cans, contains the gas required to create the draughtflow effect when the can is opened.
- Smithwick's Irish Ale — Premium Irish Ale with a smooth malty finish is a Irish Red Ale style beer brewed by Guinness. It's pronounced “Smith-icks” or “Smitt-icks.”
- Carlow 'O'Hara's' Irish Red — Consider this a craft-brewed full-boded Irish red ale with traditional hops, sweet malty finish. This independent, family-owned business was established in 1996 and is one of the pioneers of Irish craft brewing.
- Harp Lager — For those looking for a solid Irish lager, here you go. This Euro Pale Lager is an easy-drinking beer for any day of the year. Now, on SALE.
And, while Finnegans Irish Amber is actually made right here in Minnesota, we give them a shout out for making great beer and doing great work. In case you didn't know, Finnigans donates their profits to fund community programs assisting those in poverty.
BONUS: Crack open a beer, and get cooking with this Guinness Braised Short Ribs recipe.
