The 7 Best Irish Beers
When it comes to the most iconic St. Patrick's Day drinks, Guinness is probably the first that comes to mind. Indeed, sipping on an Irish beer feels like a holiday requirement. But Guinness is just one of the many fantastic quaffs hailing from the Emerald Isle, all of which deserve a cheers or three on St. Paddy's Day.
So what kind of beer are we talking about? Guinness is big here for a reason: Ireland is most well-known for its stouts, which are generally characterized by roasted, unmalted barley and have a dark hue and roasty flavor. Also majorly popular are easy-drinking red ales, which tend to have a mild sweetness and a reddish tone. Hard cider—which technically isn't beer at all—is also a pub favorite, though it hardly resembles the sickly-sweet stuff Americans might associate with the category. Instead, Irish examples of the apple-based libation skew dry and refreshing.
Alongside these classic styles, Irish brewers also conjure takes on beers from around the globe, not to mention experimental brews that push the brewing envelope and challenge taste buds. They're all on this list, from light-bodied lagers and ruby-hued ales to hard ciders and roast-y stouts.
Fun fact: Some of the breweries behind these beers were founded way back in the 1700s, so you can be sure you're celebrating with the real deal. Pair them with bites of soda bread, hearty platefuls of slow-cooked corned beef and cabbage, and all manner of St. Paddy's-themed desserts.
And don't worry—there isn't a single green beer on this list. Green food coloring, you can take a hike.
(Getty Images)Spoiler alert: Ireland churns out way more than just Guinness.