The best St. Patrick’s Day parties are a celebration of Irish culture. For many, that simply means wearing green and drinking their annual pint of Guinness or downing a shot of Jameson. Still, for the truly cultured, there are many noteworthy Irish beers and whiskeys, some familiar, some not, that elevate the holiday while also capturing its true spirit.

Irish Beers to Try

When it comes to Irish beers, some people prefer to stick with the classics. If you’re willing to do some exploring, you’ll find a true assortment of excellent options that span the spectrum of what Irish beers can do.

Murphy’s Irish Red

An ideal choice for those who shy away from thick stouts, Murphy’s Irish Red Ale is bubbly and crispy with enough hops to add character and flavor. For those who don’t know, a true red ale, like Murphy’s offering, is red due to the inclusion of roasted barley. Some American manufacturers may try to trick you by simply using dye, so make sure to stick with the real thing, and few things are as truly Irish as Murphy’s Irish Red, which has been brewed in Ireland since 1856.

Harp Lager

An Irish lager that’s often paired with Guinness to form a Black and Tan, Harp Lager is refreshing, bright, and very drinkable. The aroma is yeasty, almost like fresh-baked bread, with just the right amount of citrus to cut through any bitterness. Harp Lager is surprisingly refreshing and serves as the perfect beer for hitting the Irish notes without it ever becoming too heavy.

Smithwick’s Red Ale

Smithwick’s is another popular choice among Irish beer fans, and its brewing dates back to 1710. This red ale can be slightly sweet, at least when compared to something like Guinness, while still offering the expected malty taste and aroma. Smithwick’s is relatively straight forward, which makes it an encouraging option for those marking their introduction to Irish beers.

Irish Whiskies that Impress

Much like with Guinness, Jameson strikes a common refrain among the fans of Irish whiskeys on St. Patrick’s Day. There are other options out there, though, even if you tend to stick with Jameson.

Bushmills Red Bush Irish Whiskey

The history of Bushmills traces back to the early 17th century, giving the popular Irish whiskey plenty of time to get things exactly right. This particular option is noted for its lighter, more intricate taste that hits just the right notes of spice. This is an excellent, low-cost option for both drinking straight or mixed into cocktails.

Knappogue Castle 12 Year

This single malt whiskey is the perfect answer to the question of what to bring to impress your whiskey-know-it-all friend. A smooth sipping whiskey, Knappogue Castle 12 Year is left in a bourbon barrel for a dozen years before emerging to the delight of whiskey enthusiasts everywhere. The whiskey is sweet enough for the casual drinker but packs enough smoky, peppery character to impress the typically unimpressible.

Jameson 12

Jameson’s standard blended Irish whiskey is always a popular choice, albeit not always a critically-acclaimed one. To step up your Jameson game, take a step up and bring a bottle of Jameson 12 to the soiree. The Jameson 12 lacks pedestrian straightforwardness while bringing a much richer aroma and flavor profile than the ever-present, blended variety.

Zipps Liquors for All Your Beer and Whiskey Needs

Stop by Zipps Liquors today to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day the right way with Irish beers and whiskey. Our inventory is stocked with a wide selection of beers and liquors, and our friendly staff can help you find exactly what you’re looking for. You can also give us a call at 612-333-8686 to reserve a keg for your party.