Look I get it, Guinness has cemented itself as THE official beer for St. Patrick’s Day. People love it, and it’s very well deserved, but there are alternatives outside of that classic pint that could also peak your interest should you want something a little different.
There are options galore, whether we’re sticking with the dark stout or moving into more lighter territory, or perhaps even choosing to go for a cocktail rather than a dram of Irish Whiskey. While it may be easy to lean on the Guinness, take these alternatives a whirl instead.
Innis & Gunn Kindred Spirits
This unique offering brings together the Irish and the Scottish to celebrate their joint Celtic heritage. Innis & Gunn and Tullamore D.E.W. Irish Whiskey, have collaborated for the first time to create Kindred Spirits, a limited edition Scottish stout aged using triple distilled Irish whiskey barrels.
Porterhouse Oyster Stout
Yes that’s right, substitute your classic Guinness for another Irish born stout, but this one has a little more of a creative spin. A superbly balanced brew, smooth and rounded without being bland, there’s sweetness derived from fresh oysters shucked into the conditioning tank.
Irish Blonde
If you’re looking for something refreshing, rather than powerful, this blend of citrus and Whiskey pairs nicely.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz Irish Whiskey
- 0.75 oz Orange curaçao
- 0.25 oz Sherry
- 1 dash Orange Bitters
Method: Add all the ingredients to a mixing glass and fill with ice. Stir, and strain into a chilled Martini glass. Garnish with a flamed orange peel.
The Irish Derby
This is a spin off a classic recipe that originally called for Bourbon. The substitution of Irish Whiskey adds a little more heat to the palate while still maintaining the original style of the cocktail.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 oz Irish Whiskey
- 0.5 oz Sweet vermouth
- 0.5 oz Orange curaçao (can sub with Cointreau)
- 0.5 oz freshly squeezed lime juice
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters
Method: Add all the ingredients to a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake for 20 seconds and strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with lime peel.
Magners Cider
While not necessarily “craft”, Magners is easy to find and a good representation of the growing cidery industry in Ireland. If you can find more niche cider from Ireland then great! Otherwise this offers a medium sweet taste with lively carbonation and juicy yellow apple flavours lingering on the finish.
Ale/Sessions 
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