St. Patrick's Day and Irish Beers

What is St. Patrick's Day?

We have King’s Day (April 27), the United States celebrates Independence Day (July 4), and in Suriname, they celebrate Srefidensi Dey—or Independence Day—on November 25. Ireland also has a national holiday: March 17 is St. Patrick’s Day, or Lá Fhéile Pádraig in Gaelic. The patron saint of all of Ireland, Saint Patrick, is commemorated on that day.

We can’t think of a better time to toast the proverbial “luck of the Irish” than St. Patrick’s Day, and we Uiltje be Uiltje if we didn’t have the perfect drink for the occasion. Anyone who wants to say “sláinte” with us (which means “cheers,” and is pronounced “slahn-tje”) can choose from two classic Irish drinks: beer and cider!

Irish beers

The most famous Irish craft brewery is undoubtedly Carlow Brewing, which is making a name for itself with its O’Hara’s brand. The brewery was founded by the O’Hara family in 1996 and remains family-owned to this day. The brewery is located in the heart of the traditional Irish malt and hop region known as “Barrow Valley.” This area has a rich history in the Irish brewing industry. Beer brewing is viewed as cultural heritage here, and the O’Haras are committed to preserving it.

O'Hara's Irish Stout is a hearty beer made from deep, dark malt. That malt once led to the creation of porter in London—reportedly because the porters working in the harbor really enjoyed it. Later, a stronger, more robust (stout ) version was brewed there, which in turn grew to become one of the most popular beer styles in the world. Proof that dark beer doesn’t have to be high in alcohol, a misconception held by many beer lovers. On the contrary: while it’s bursting with flavor, it’s extremely easy to drink. Sláinte!

O'Hara's Irish Red and this applies to the entire Irish Red beer style, is distantly related to English pale ale and Belgian amber beer, such as Palm. Top-fermented, so full of flavor with a fruity note, and characterized by a soft, malty body that is perfectly balanced with a slight bitterness and hints of caramel. The beer’s maltiness is impressive, much like a bock can be, but in a uniquely Irish way—sláinte! Also available in a Nitro version, for a super-thick head!

Irish cider

You may be familiar with cider from France, but in England and especially Ireland, it has a lower alcohol content. Cider, also known as apple cider, is a refreshing beverage made from fermented apple juice. The process of making cider begins with pressing apples to extract juice. This juice is then fermented by natural yeasts or added cultures, converting the sugars in the juice into alcohol. After the fermentation period, which can last from weeks to months, the cider is filtered and often aged further to develop its full flavor. Magners is the best-known brand and is considered the “original Irish” cider!

Magners – Original Irish Cider is the only original Irish cider and therefore a favorite! Irish cider is less dry than the English varieties; it’s fruity without being cloyingly sweet. Seventeen different varieties of apples grow in Magners Irish Cider’s own orchards, and their juices are blended in just the right proportions. For those who want to: fill a pint glass with ice cubes and “create your own original!” Sláinte!

And then there’s also Magners – Original Irish Pear Cider. Yes, technically speaking, you’re right: cider is made from apples, period. Fermented pear juice could be called “perry,” but let’s not make it more complicated than it needs to be. And so the Irish folks at Magners simply call their fermented pear juice “Pear Cider”! The same goes here: crisp, fruity, and super refreshing. Sláinte!