Some people associate St. Patrick’s Day with green beer, but I’m not a fan. Food colouring in often watery suds just doesn’t cut it for me.
I’m into more flavourful, full-bodied beverages, like Guinness stout – synonymous with the March 17 celebration – and others like Smithwick’s red ale and Harp lager.
Showcasing Ontario’s Finest
But not all great brews hail from Ireland. A recent walk down the beer aisle in our Uxbridge store opened my eyes to some options far closer to home. Here, Vince’s wine and beer specialist Darryl Knight built a convincing case for Ontario craft beer.
“Stout is a traditional favourite,” said Knight. “It features a coffee flavour that comes from unsalted roasted barley, and there are sweet notes along with subtle dark chocolate.”
He acknowledged there are several good Ontario varieties, but recommended two in particular: Walkerville Easy Stout (a milk stout), and Muskoka Brewery Shinnicked Stout (an “American” stout).
Pairing Stouts & Red Ales with Comfort Foods
“There are some tremendous opportunities to pair stouts with comfort foods,” Knight continued. “The high sugar content makes it a great choice for heartier meats. Try adding it to a stew, or reducing to a syrup and using it as a glaze for pork loin.”
Red Ale is another top pick for St. Patrick’s Day. It is amber or deep red in colour, somewhat sweet, and often lightly hopped. And, notes Knight, “has notes of tea, toffee or fruit.”
Vince’s carries some award-winning options like Cameron’s Ambear or Bobcaygeon Dockside.
“Red ales are a great option for entertaining,” said Knight. “Owing to their Emerald Isle heritage, they pair well with mild Irish cheddar cheese, as well as gruyere. And they’re a perfect companion for roasted or grilled fish, turkey or chicken.”
I’ll admit that St. Patrick’s Day has, for me, flown under the radar the last few years. Perhaps it’s time to revisit the festivities with a “sampler pack” of these stellar brews, along with a good cut of meat, and perhaps a few cheeses.
And, rest assured, not a drop of food dye!
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Til next time,
Neil
