What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you think of St. Paddy’s Day? Probably Guinness, the colour green and Ireland. But before we get into the core of the festivity, let’s take a quick look at the history behind the celebratory day.
Most people don’t know it started as the death anniversary of Saint Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland. March 17th was originally a religious holiday before it became the global festivity that celebrates all things Irish.
Why green? Well, the man used the shamrock (three-leaf clover) to represent the Holy Trinity and green also happens to be one of Ireland’s traditional colours. Oh and a leprechaun is lurking around every corner waiting to pinch anyone who is not wearing green, so for your own safety just wear it.
And while you can have a Guinness to celebrate the day, Edmonton’s local breweries are ready if you want to try something other than an Irish classic.
DDH NE IPA 6.3% alc / vol
This fruity drink experience starts with the aroma. What stood out to Jeanie Habibi, our project manager, were the sweet notes — right as she put her nose to the drink it was as if she had just cut into fresh fruit. “It reminds me of going on vacation with a Bulldog in hand,” says Julietta Harvey, our student intern. “If I asked for a nice tropical beer, this would be it.”
Dry Irish Stout 4.5% alc / vol
Taking a whiff of this stout feels “as if you were stepping into a woodshop,” says Steve Glen, our digital strategist. This beer is not very sweet but it certainly is smooth, and Mifi, our editor, agrees. It also gives tobacco notes in the best possible way. For those of you Guinness lovers, do not deny this Dry Irish Stout until you try it — it might not be as thick as the classic but it sure is earthy.
Ale Architect
Ritchie | 9918 76 Ave NW, Edmonton | 780.652.2214 | alearchitect.com
Cerveza Especial Mexican Lager 4.5% alc / vol
“Is there a cornmeal-y aftertaste?” asked Jeanie as she thought it reminded her of homemade tortillas. It wouldn’t be a Mexican lager if it did not use corn to give it the light sweetness that lingers after each sip. This is the local version of your classic, light Mexican lager — think Modelo but Edmontonian.
4.2% alc / vol
This tastes classic. A golden ale that does not make you guess what it’s trying to give you. “It is very yeast-y, like smelling bread, specifically rye bread,” says Julietta, who also described feeling like she was walking into a bakery as soon as she took a whiff of it. It is a light brew, “not too heavy, but with depth,” says Mifi. It has earthy and floral undertones that make this classic drink feel on brand for Odd Company.
Odd Company
Wîhkwêntôwin | 12021 102 Ave NW, Edmonton | 587.590.9973
Ritchie | 9959 76 Ave, Edmonton | 587.643.8967
oddcompany.ca
Belgian Style Wheat Ale 4.5% alc / vol
Before even taking a sip, Julietta took a good look at the can, “love the little Gandalf.” We can appreciate a nice, smooth brew as much as we love its packaging — this one features the legendary wizard in all his glory.
But as for its content, Steve took a sip (and a moment) before he let out a “oh, that’s delicious.” Jeanie thought this was “so smooth, so good and so easy to drink.” We would never claim a favourite but this was a hit around the table of tasters.
Bent Stick Brewing Co.
Ritchie | 9926 78 Ave, Edmonton | 780.884.2337 | bentstickbrewing.com
Dry Hopped Sour 5.2% alc / vol
Like taking a bite of the yellow sour patch kid. “Good on a hot day,” Mifi found this tart kettle sour refreshing. Its citrus-y notes reminded me of the lemonades my mom would make growing up, the ones so pure you could barely taste the sugar — we don’t want our beer to drown in sweetness. One of the popular choices for a reason, this beer will be your go-to summer refresher.
SYC Brewing Co.
Edmiston Industrial | 11239 180 St NW, Edmonton | 587.388.1177 | sycbrewing.com
DDH Oat Cream IPA 7.0% alc. / vol
After a few sips, Mifi realized you can either eat a meal or have a Turbidity. “It is filling, it is like having a meal,” she says. With its fuzzy peach gelato and stone fruit notes, it also reminded her of the taste and velvety texture of creamsicles — it makes sense since this is one creamy IPA that does contain a small amount of lactose.
DDH West Coast IPA 6.5% alc. / vol
“Grapefruit, grapefruit,” says Jeanie and yes, you can definitely expect grapefruit notes, along with lychee gummies and tropical resins. This strong beer is also fresh, “I don’t know why I am thinking of prairie grass,” says Steve. Julietta could also not pinpoint where the freshness was coming from, “it reminded me of matcha with citrus-y notes if that makes sense.” Who knows if any of us got the essence right but we are certain of one thing: it was a treat.
Irrational Brewing Co
Westmount | 109, 10643 124 St, Edmonton | 587.523.8523 | irrationalbrewing.ca
