Everyone’s Irish on St. Patrick’s Day—and every drink should be, too. Raise your glass to the Emerald Isle on March 17 with a pour from the green land herself.
Cider
Flavor Profile: The name says it all: Cider (or “hard cider,” as it’s commonly known in the United States) is made of unfiltered apple juice fermented over a period of months or years. Like the nonalcoholic version, it’s crisp and sweet.
Top Picks: Magners Irish Cider, John Kepplers Premium Irish Cider
Irish Dry Stout
Flavor Profile: Perhaps the most popular type of Irish beer, dry stouts have a bitter, coffee-like flavor. But don’t let the creaminess fool you: They tend to be light and drinkable. While ordering a Guinness is practically a reflex, there are delicious stouts from other Irish breweries that deserve just as much attention.
Top Picks: Guinness Extra Stout, Murphy’s Irish Stout, Beamish Irish Stout, Oyster Stout, O’Hara’s Irish Stout
Irish Red Ale
Flavor Profile: Tea drinkers will appreciate this slightly sweet beer, which tends to have just enough flavor to enjoy without losing interest. The body is smooth, and sips are often dry at the end. The reddish hue comes from roasted barley used in the distillation process.
Top Picks: Smithwick’s Imported Premium Irish Ale, Kilkenny Irish Cream Ale, Caffrey’s Irish Ale
Pale Lager
Flavor Profile: This golden brew is heavy on the hops and light in flavor. Bitterness varies by brand, but always expect a dry, malt taste—meaning you can pair a glass with just about any meal.
Top Picks: Harp Lager, Tom Crean’s Premium Irish Lager
Bonus Brew: If you do find a pot of gold at the end of a rainbow, consider splurging $43 on a 25.4-ounce bottle of Guinness The 1759. This limited-edition, small-batch amber ale is crafted from a 200-year-old recipe that uses whiskey malt for tones of caramel and butterscotch.
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