St. Patrick's Day

It's a given that you are celebrating St. Patrick's Day, right? No self-respecting beer geek would let a day where you are actually expected to drink pass by without a drop, right? I have a few suggestions, depending on the way you'd like to honor St. Patrick, who, of course, is honored because...umm...he got that malfunctioning tap to work at that keg party back in the day.

Traditional: Straight Irish is the way I used to go when I was into lighter offerings, and this may be what you are after. Beers like Harp and Smtihwicks. Stoutier beers like Murphy's, Beamish, and Guinness. If you go this route, why not do a mix of those three, and then go beat on some British soccer fans. Or any soccer fans.

American Style: Looking for Irish-style but want to get a little more backbone in your beer? I will be drinking Moylan's Dragoon's Irish Stout (pictured). They also make a Celts Golden if you want to stay away from stouts. Another lighter Amer-Irish choice is Kells Irish Lager from Rogue. Avery's Out of Bounds Stout is a dry Irish style stout that is an easy drinker. Or you could go for the Classic Shakespeare Stout from Rogue, or if you want local, Tractor's Oatmeal Stout (or Steamworks Backside Stout if nearly local is close enough). But may I suggest the winner of our stout challenge this past November, Sleeping Dog from Chama River!

Blackout Time!: You want to go for broke and make this a St. Patrick's Day to forget? Then pick up Ten Fidy Imperial Stout (10%) from Oskar Blues, Oak-Aged Yeti (9.5%) from Great Divide, or Avery's Mephistopheles Stout (16%!!!).

Whatever you choose, be safe out there. This holiday can bring out the real amateur drinkers!