Top 10 Irish Beers

Erin Go Brew

The Best Stouts, Ales and Lagers Brewed in Ireland

We have some bad news about St. Patrick's Day. There's no connection between beer and St. Patrick. In fact, the man wasn't even Irish, nor was his name Patrick. But you probably don't want to hear more of the truth, so let's move on and learn a little about Irish beer instead. Irish beers run the range from strong, rich and full-bodied for sipping to light and crisp — perfect for thirst-quenching and as a companion for spicy foods. Although many variations exist, there are basically two types of beer: ales and lagers. Ales (and stouts) are made with top-fermenting yeast, which thrives in warmer temperatures and withstands higher alcohol concentrations. The resulting beers are generally crisp, sweet, flavorsome, somewhat fruity and lack carbonation. Lagers are bottom-fermented beers. They are stored at low temperatures for longer periods of time (weeks to months — the word lager comes from the German word lagern, "to store") and become mellow, clear and carbonated. Lagers are typically light-colored with a mild hop flavor and strong carbonation. A hybrid of ale and lager, cream ales range in color from amber to red and are smooth and well-rounded with a hint of hops. To get a full taste of what the Emerald Isle has to offer, line up the following selections and have a tasting.

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(Updated: 03/12/13 BH)