If you are looking to give dark beer a try on Saint Patrick’s Day you won’t want to miss out on some of these special stouts and ales. Let’s get started with these Irish brews:
Guinness Draught Stout: you’ve definitely heard of this one before. You are guaranteed to find it in any Irish bar. It’s very thick, creamy and dark.
Beamish Irish Stout: similar to the black Guinness but with a spicy cinnamon flavour to it. The head of the beer – that is the white foam – is said to last longer than the Guinness. This beer is originally from Cork.
O’Hara’s Irish Stout: this beer carries the name of the brewery founders, a thick and creamy stout with a hint of crispiness and a robust roast flavour. The flagship of the O’Hara’s brand.
Murphy’s Irish Stout: distinctly different from its chief competitor Guinness. Less heavy and less bitter than this last one, its flavour includes hints of caramel and malt. This brewery, also in Cork, is owned by Heineken.
Porter House Brewing Co. Oyster Stout: one of the largest independent breweries in Ireland. And yes, this drink is made with fresh oyster. If you are not much of a fan, don’t worry, the taste of oyster is quite subtle and you can still enjoy a creamy and well-rounded beer.
Great Lakes Conway’s Irish Ale: dark reddish malt with touches of toffee and caramel and a hint of citrus. With a head up to three fingers high this beer has just the right amount of hops.
Smithwick’s Irish Ale: characterized by malty caramel notes and some bitterness from the hops. A clean taste with a hint of coffee. It serves with a thick head.
Kilkenny Irish Cream Ale: this beer dates back to the fourteenth century. It can be similar to Smithwick’s but with less hops. It’s sweet and creamy, offset by some bitterness. A mellow, easy-to-drink beer.