By Malia Paasch
The style of beer known as Irish Red has – as the name implies – roots in Ireland, but over the years it has become a favorite in the U.S.. The Coors Brewing Company popularized the style in America with its release of George Killian’s Irish Red, released during the first craft beer movement of the late 1980s. Killian’s was a hit and gave craft brew searchers an alternative to lagers. (As it turns out, the beer is actually an amber lager.) Still, Irish Reds are pleasantly approachable and easy to drink. Here are four to try as you celebrate St. Patrick’s Day.
Red Headed Step Child
Tall Tales Brewing Company
ABV: 6.4%
Appearance: Dark burgundy with ruby highlights and cream-colored head
Aroma: Sweet candied cashews and granola
Taste: A bit juicy with elements of white raisins and red grapes gracing the palate
Mouthfeel: Carbonation is high and prickly
Drinkability: A bit spritzy so it would pair well with hors d’oeuvres
Food pairing: Cheese and charcuterie
Rockville Red
Midnight Brewery
ABV: 5.5%
Appearance: Deep garnet with a light tan head
Aroma: Slight cocoa powder notes with a touch of graham cracker
Taste: Slightly sweet with hints of dark fruit and very subtle, silky notes of chocolate
Mouthfeel: Fluffy with light carbonation
Drinkability: On the verge of being a brown stout, with the chocolatey notes we all adore paired with the lightness of a brown ale
Food pairing: Chocolate chip cookies
Vixen
Old Bust Head Brewing Company
ABV: 5.4%
Appearance: Bright ruby with amber highlights and an off-white colored head
Aroma: Earthy with a hint of grassy hops and toasted grain
Taste: Flavors are balanced with caramel, sarsaparilla and root beer all coming to mind
Mouthfeel: Soft and silky, slight bitterness in the finish, a touch sweet
Drinkability: A great one to just sip and relax.
Food pairing: Brisket barbecue
Hydraulion Red
Three Notch’d Brewing Company
ABV: 5.3%
Appearance: Dark amber with orange highlights and an ivory voluminous head
Aroma: Cereal with notes of candied orange and hints of banana
Taste: Subtle notes of caramel and coriander with a slightly grassy bitter finish
Mouthfeel: Easy drinking with medium carbonation, quite dry
Drinkability: Approachable and balanced, it would go well on the dinner table or as a happy hour beer
Food Pairing: Tacos with carnitas