10 Irish Beers and Ciders to Get You in the St. Paddy’s Day Spirit
It’s March, which means one of America’s favorite holidays is here: Saint Patrick’s Day!
Somehow it’s become a tradition to drink beer dyed green, which is something
the Irish themselves don’t do. But they do know how to have a good time, and it
probably has something to do with the incredible ales, ciders, stouts, lagers,
and even IPAs coming out of the Emerald Isle.
If you want to celebrate St. Paddy’s day like a proper Irish lad or lass, why
not drink what they drink in Dublin? Here’s a breakdown of ten of our favorite
beers and ciders from Ireland to enjoy on March 17th. You can find
these beverages – not to mention that other famous Irish tipple, whiskey – in
any Liquor Barn location.
Magner’s is Ireland’s best known and biggest export apple cider. Its golden yellow hue, crisp apple taste, and just a bit of tartness make it a very refreshing and easy to drink choice. It has a relatively low alcohol content so you can really go the distance with this one.
2. O’Hara’s Celtic Stout
This Irish dry stout is the flagship of O’Hara’s, a brewery based in Carlow, one of the southern counties of Ireland. You’ll appreciate their take on this classic, with a velvety mouthfeel, complex coffee aroma, and roasted hop flavor.
3. Kilkenny Irish Beer
Perhaps the best-known Irish brew besides stouts, red ales from Ireland are notable for their smooth drinkability and beautiful ruby red color, light fruitiness, and subtle roasted flavor. Kilkenny is the red ale of choice in Ireland and once you try it you’ll understand why.
4. Smithwick’s Ale
This is a great choice if you’re looking for a session beer that can be knocked back more than a few times and don’t want to be overwhelmed by a heavier ale or stout. Light maltiness and dark color make it a fun one to drink.
5. Murphy’s Irish Stout
Coffee and chocolate malt flavors dominate the nose and palate in this excellent, affordable Irish Stout. Murphy’s Irish stout is just a little bitter and goes down easy.
6. O’Hara’s Leann Follain
At 6.0% ABV, Leann Follain is stronger than an Irish Dry Stout (it’s listed by the brewer as an Extra Stout). It’s got a complex medley of chocolate and coffee flavors, as well as a spicy aroma that will really warm you up.
7. Galway Bay Of Foam and Fury Double IPA
Believe it or not, they’re making American IPAs in Ireland now, too! This is one of the best out of Ireland – 8.50% ABV, with heady tropical fruit flavors balanced out by piney bitterness and a gorgeous caramel malt sweetness.
8. Harp Lager
If you do want to dye your beer green but don’t want to settle for an American lager, Harp will do you just fine!
9. Murphy’s Irish Red
Another classic Irish Red, Murphy’s features a light malt profile with toffee, caramel, and toast flavors. You can’t go wrong with this one.
10. Guinness Extra Stout
The granddaddy of ‘em all, this Irish classic needs no introduction. If you can’t decide what to drink, you know you’ll be safe with a Guinness.