St. Patrick — born Maewyn Succat — is known as the patron saint of Ireland. Even though he was born in Britain, he is credited with spreading the Christian religion throughout the Emerald Isle. That, and driving the snakes out of Ireland. Both, I suppose, are ample reasons to hoist a pint of beer and offer a toast to his name. After all, on St. Patrick’s Day, everyone is Irish. Of course, the No. 1 choice of beer to enjoy on Saint Patrick’s Day is the national beverage of Ireland, Guinness Stout. As legend has it, Arthur Price, the archbishop of Cashel in the Church of Ireland, bequeathed his godson, Arthur Guinness, 100 pounds and the secret family recipe for stout ale. In 1759, Arthur used the money to start the Guinness brewery in Dublin.
They still pour Guinness in the small pub located in the basement of the archbishop’s former home, and claim that there is no greater Guinness poured than at its birthplace. However, Dublin native Cathal Armstrong, chef/owner of Restaurant Eve and several other eating establishments located in Alexandria, declares that Dublin is the finest place on Earth to get a pint of “Uncle Arthur” — as Dubliners affectionately refer to their Guinness. Armstrong goes on to claim that the farther you get from Dublin, the more difference there is in the way the Guinness tastes.
But most of us can’t celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in Dublin, here are a few alternatives to consider that are a little closer to home.
Many pubs will be pouring a plethora of Guinness pints this St. Patrick’s Day. Guinness derives its toasted flavor of dark chocolate and coffee from the way in which the malted barley is roasted as well as from the amount of hops used. Be sure to let it set a minute or two until all the bubbles have risen to form a head about a half-inch thick. If you can’t make it to a pub, pick up a six-pack of Guinness at the supermarket.
Slightly lighter in style and sweeter in flavor than Guinness, Murphy’s Irish Stout is deceptively smooth. The body is creamy and elegant and delivers distinctive flavors of malt, dark chocolate and coffee with every sip.
One of my favorite Irish beers is Harp Lager, a smoother-styled beer than the darker stouts. It has a beautiful rich gold color, and the super clean, slightly bitter finish makes this beer easy to drink — which is fun to do on St. Patty’s Day, particularly with corned beef and cabbage.
If you’re in the mood for an ale (as opposed to a lager or a stout), try an Irish favorite, Smithwick’s Irish Ale. It pours a beautiful amber color and builds up a big creamy head. The palate is a tad soft up front but develops a caramely sweetness on the back of the tongue. Hints of toffee and coffee buoy the smooth, dry finish.Perfect with bangers and mash.
If you want to celebrate the American side of Irish-American, then drink a domestic beer with an Irish lilt. The Samuel Adams Irish Red is a remarkably balanced beer. Pale and caramel malts give this Irish Red ale its deep red color and distinctive caramel flavor. The sweetness of the malt is pleasantly balanced by nice acidity and offers up interesting notes of caramel, cocoa and toffee. It finishes smooth and dry with a malty finish.
