With St. Patrick’s Day approaching I looked into what many consider as the sport for the day – drinking! What better way to celebrate than with some of the best beer from the great country of Ireland (or via the USA)! Even if you aren’t a drinker, watching your buddies tie one on can make you laugh hard enough to be a major stress reliever!

1. The Old Stand-By: Guinness of course! With varieties like Guinness Stout and Guinness Draught, this classic Irish beer is a perennial favorite. They are rather technologically advanced as well, with a widget that makes drinking it from the bottle taste as close a possible to actual draft beer.

2. Another Stand-By: George Killian’s Irish Red – although it is made in the USA and part of the Coors family. Another perennial favorite, it goes great with a big helping of friends and laughs!

3. Another American: Sam Adams Irish Red – I remember when they were a much smaller “micro” brewery. They haven’t compromised on taste or quality in the many years since then and their varieties are always tops among beer “connoisseurs”. This one is a great companion to watching sports like basketball or soccer!

4. For the more distinguished taste buds: Smithwick’s Irish Ale is part of the Guinness family and reviewed as starting off sweet with a caramel bite. This goes well with heavy meals according to the critics and is reviewed well overall.

5. Critically acclaimed: Murphy’s Stout has the aroma of malts and coffee and goes over very well with the more refined crowds.

Whatever you decide – please use caution and discretion when you are out on St. Patrick’s Day. Designate a driver or leave the car at home and use a taxi or public transportation. No amusement or celebration is worth the trouble! Being responsible is the best way to manage stress!