I apologize in advance for the following post for those who like green food-colored beer. I am all for dressing up in green, but I don’t want to drink green when there are Irish Red Ales and dry Irish Stouts!

Irish Red Ales first appeared in the early 1700s and remained only available in Ireland until the 1960s. They are malt-forward with those caramel, slightly sweet notes. The finish of these beautiful, red-colored ales is a bit dry to balance out the beer.

A long-standing, local favorite that comes from Nebraska Brewing Company called Farrel’s Irish Red. It is everything I like about the style and is nice and sessionable at 5.6% ABV.

When it comes to a dry Irish Stout, most people are familiar with Guinness, but when it comes to local ones, it is all about the Pint Nine Brewing Company Dry Irish Stout.

Most people think of stouts as a heavy beer, but Irish Stouts are usually in that mid-four to mid-five percent ABV. The black malt in Irish Stouts is a robust roastiness that will remind you of a dark roast coffee.

The part most people are amazed at in an Irish Stout is how light the body is. So don’t be fooled by the color! The other thing that enhances this beer is having it on a nitro tap. The creamy head adds to those coffee notes!

Do yourself a favor this year when heading out for St. Patrick’s Day; find yourself a local Irish Red Ale or Stout. I know you will enjoy these two wonderful styles of brews!

Cheers!