Jacqueline R. Torres
Ah, beer! The warm happy feeling children get for Christmas is here for the beer lover’s holiday: Saint Patrick’s Day.
Although some people save the beer indulging festivities for this one day a year, I try to get a head start and keep the ball rolling afterward. With that said, an honest review of Irish beer is in order.
Guinness is at the top of the pile of bottles in my living room. For the occasion Guinness Irish Stout is better fitting and has a higher alcohol percentage. It has a roasty flavor and is a perfect vessel for Irish Car bombs: Guinness, Jameson Whiskey and Irish Cream Liqueur.
Kinsale Irish Lager is hearty, rich and thick. It is definitely the chocolate cake of Irish brews. It’s high in alcohol and will be surprisingly distinguishable to the typical lager drinker.
Among the red ales, Moling Traditional Red made by Carlow is a good start for any night. It’s more of a light copper than red and tastes like the hops were hand chosen by leprechauns. It’s not quite on par with Killian’s however. Killian’s the beat all of the red ales has yet to be topped by any other.
From red to amber, Murphy’s Amber Ale has a sweet heavy flavor much akin to their stout beer and can carry the party through the night.
For those out there who are “recovering” and still want to celebrate the patron saint of Ireland, there is more selection than O’Doul’s.
Kaliber is a non-alcoholic beer brewed by Guinness. Kinsale is not only Irish but much better tasting than O’Doul’s.
Please drink responsibly or do it far, far away from me.
Picks and Places:
Drink Irish Car Bombs at The Copper Bucket in
Reseda at 17713 Vanowen St.
Drink the 30 set beer sampler at Ireland’s 32 in
Van Nuys at 13721 Burbank Blvd.