Happy Saint Patrick’s Day from San Diego Beer and Wine Tours!

Beer • Breweries • Holiday • Local Business • Theme Tours

January 30, 2015

 

Happy Saint Patrick's Day!

Saint Patrick's Day is a Christian feast day that is celebrated as a holiday in Ireland and Northern Ireland.  It's also a special day in America, and around the world, for members of the Irish Diaspora.

Oh, who are we kidding! It's one of the best days of the year for beer lovers. Especially since we now don't have to settle for green beer which, let's face it, isn't anywhere near as good coming up as it is going down.  But now that San Diego is truly a full fledged mecca for beer lovers, with a strong population of Irish people and Irish-Americans to boot, Saint Patty's is way more than just a day to imbibe. It's a day to savor!  

Instead of going green this year, why not go red?  Red ales are among Ireland's best-known beers.  They are absolutely delightful.  San Diego has its share of red ales too, but with a regional twist – since we're known for our hoppy brews, the red ales you can get around here have their own distinct flavor without losing sight of their Irish roots.  Kind of like a lot of San Diegans!

Green Flash produces Hop Head Red, crisp with a sweet caramelly twist, and the venerable Karl Strauss has its Red Trolley Ale.  Mike Hess Brewing makes a hoppy, citrusy version of red ale called Venator, and Mission Brewery has a well-regarded Imperial Red on tap called Carrack.  Phew, that's a lot of reds!

Of course, other than green beers, people think "dark" when they think of Irish beer, thanks to Guinness, an old favorite.  But while Guinness is definitely always a crowd-pleaser, there are some really excellent local darks that hold up beautifully. San Diego isn't just about Double IPAs!  Try Dawn Patrol Dark, a brown ale from Port Brewing, or the wonderfully-named Great Ape Nectar from Monkey Paw, a hazelnut chocolate milk stout with a finish that's as sweet as an Irish bread pudding.

We think this list will be a good way to start your day off right.  To continue, book one of our Saint Patrick's Tours. We'll show you all the best craic in San Diego. And there's plenty to be had!

Enjoy yourself. Éirinn go Brách!

Brooke B., Cocktail Colleen

Tags: beer • beer saint patricks • craic • eirinn go brach • ireland • irish • irish san diego • saint patrick's day • san diego • san diego saint patrick's day • st. patrick's day • st. patty's