It’s Time to Paint the Town Green! 🍀

Break out the shamrocks and dust off your favorite festive hat—March has arrived! Whether you’re heading to a parade or just finding a cozy corner at your local pub, there’s no better way to get into the spirit of the season than with a proper pint in hand.

For this month’s flight, we decided to do a little “cross-continental” exploration of the Irish tradition. We selected three legendary brews born in the heart of Ireland and put them up against three Irish-style brews crafted right here in the U.S. We wanted to see if the American “tributes” could hold their own against the heavyweights from the Emerald Isle.

So, grab a glass and join us for the March Pint of the Month—let the shenanigans begin! Sláinte! 🍻

The March Lineup: A cross-Atlantic battle of the brews!

Round 1: The Red Ale Rivalry

We started with the heart of the flight: the iconic Irish Red. This was a dead heat for a while and easily the toughest head-to-head of the night.

• George Killian’s Irish Red (USA): This surprised us. It felt a bit heartier than the Smithwick’s, with a slow-roasted caramel sweetness that gave it a richer body. It’s an American-brewed legend that stays remarkably true to its 1864 Irish roots.
• Smithwick’s Red Ale (Ireland): The benchmark. It’s incredibly smooth with a gentle toasted malt aroma and a clean finish. It’s exactly what you want when you’re looking for a classic, sessionable pint.

Round 2: The Stout Stand-Off

Next, we moved into the dark side of the menu—comparing a traditional export against a Texas-born tribute.

• Sullivan’s Black Marble Stout (Ireland): This is a proper stout. It pours with a beautiful creamy head and offers deep, roasted coffee notes. It has a bit more complexity and chew than your standard dry stout.
• St. Arnold’s Irish Hello (USA): This Houston-based brew is a friendly stout. It’s lighter in alcohol but still delivers those great chocolate and roast flavors. It’s exceptionally easy to drink—perfect if you’re planning on a long afternoon of revelry.

Round 3: The Wildcard Pair

For our final pairing, we looked at two very different ends of the spectrum: a crisp lager vs. a bold, hoppy IPA.

• Harp Lager (Ireland): The palate cleanser. It’s bright, crisp, and has a nice floral hop finish. If you’re not a fan of the heavier reds or stouts, this is the gold standard for an Irish lager.
• Turning Point: The Reverend Green (USA): We had to include this for the name alone! This is a “green” beer in spirit—a big, citrusy West Coast IPA. It’s the outlier of the group, but for hopheads, it’s a great way to celebrate the holiday with some extra punch.

The Pot of Gold at the End of the Flight 🌈💰

We’ve followed the rainbow and found our favorites. If you’re looking for the best of the best this March, here they are:

• THE GRAND CHAMPION: George Killian’s Irish Red 🥇 – Our undisputed “Pot of Gold.” The extra body and rich, toasted malt profile made this the standout winner of the flight.
• THE SILVER SHAMROCK: Smithwick’s Red Ale 🥈 – A classic that defines the holiday. It’s the soul of the Irish pub for a reason.
• THE BRONZE BREW: St. Arnold’s Irish Hello 🥉 – The smoothest “Hello” in Texas. A fantastic choice for those who want their stout with a side of easy drinking.

Join the Celebration! Whether you’re a lifelong fan of the Dublin classics or you’re looking to support a local American craft, there’s no wrong way to raise a glass this month. We found our “Pot of Gold” in a bottle of George Killian’s, but the beauty of a great flight is that everyone’s palate tells a different story.

Now, we want to hear from you! What’s your go-to pint when you’re painting the town green?

• Did we miss a local Irish-style brew that deserves a spot on our next flight?
• Are you Team Import or Team Tribute?

Drop a comment below and let us know what’s in your glass this St. Patrick’s Day. We’d love to hear your recommendations as we continue our search for the perfect pour.

Sláinte, and may your glass always be half-full! 🍻🍀✨