Maybe I’m just a cynic. OK, I know I am a cynic.

So first of all, St. Patrick’s day is amateur hour. You’re best bet is to stay home.

But if you’re going out, friends don’t let friends drink green beer. Seriously. Just don’t do it.

Guinness, Harp, Smithwick’s (pronounced Schmiddick’s, by the way)….those are all better options. Heck, even Killians could be acceptable today. Do they even make Killian’s anymore? (Edit: Yes, I guess they still do).

But you can do much, much better. Here at the Beer Guys Radio, we’re here to help.

Irish Stouts

Look for this tap.
Look for this tap.

I like a good Guinness every once in a while. But if you’re looking for a local option, you had best hope you’re in Savannah. Moon River’s The Bomb won Gold in the 2014 World Beer Cup for Irish Dry Stout. And at 3.2% ABV, you won’t need to worry about accidentally taking a dive into that green river.

Not in Savannah? Your best bet is to stumble upon a tap of Eventide’s Dry Irish Stout.  It’s another low ABV beer (4.8%), and with the nitro added, you’ll get that classic creamy mouthfeel.

Reformation’s Stark Nitro Porter (on tap at the brewery) is another option that would give you a similar mouthfeel and taste of a classic Guinness.

Slice and Pint brewpub carries a Scottish Stout. Stronger, full of body and maltier, it’s got

Other stouts to consider:
Jailhouse Breakout Stout
Red Hare Sticky Stout
Sweetwater Happy Ending
Slice and Pint Brewpub’s Scottish Stout

(note: Terrapin used to make their Dry Irish Stout, Full of Balarney. Looks like it’s been retired)

Red Ales

Man, when I was in college, I loved red ales. Specifically, Killian’s. Yeah, I know. But I was young and foolish at the time. However, I still have a special place in my heart for the style. Irish reds are approachable, well-balanced with a nice toasty malt character to them. Think a maltier pale ale. They’re the beer you want to give that friend who thinks that stouts are just “too dark.” It’s been said that the style is less of an actual traditional beer style in Ireland than a good marketing ploy for Americans, but there’s no denying that it worked.

O’Dempsey’s Big Red Ale fits the bill. As does Cherry Street’s Red I Jedeye Irish Red, which I’m a personal fan of.

I hope this gives you some inspiration on your beer choices this St. Patrick’s Day. After all, if you’re going to the trouble of getting artisan corned beef and cabbage and boiled potatoes, you should treat your beers with the same respect.

Cheers!

https://beerguysradio.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/red-i-jed-eye-577x350.pnghttps://beerguysradio.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/red-i-jed-eye-577x350-150x150.pngAaron WilliamsBeer 101FeaturesAtlanta,Beer,beer release,Breweries,Cherry Street,eventide,Events,Jailhouse,Moon River,O'Dempseys,Red Hare,Reformation,Slice and Pint,Sweetwater,TerrapinMaybe I'm just a cynic. OK, I know I am a cynic. So first of all, St. Patrick's day is amateur hour. You're best bet is to stay home. But if you're going out, friends don't let friends drink green beer. Seriously. Just don't do it. Guinness, Harp, Smithwick's (pronounced Schmiddick's, by...Cold beer, hot conversations, stupid jokes.