8 Beers To Drink On St. Patrick's Day Slideshow

For fans of darker brews, this popular Irish dry stout has a lot of character to offer for a beer that checks in at a mere 4.2 percent ABV. Per the brewery, "This signature brew pours like velvet and drinks like a slice of grandma's pumpernickel bread." On a day when you're likely to be knocking back more than a few, this is a great sessionable beer to have on hand.

This seasonal Irish red ale from the popular Boston-based craft brewery is described as "rich, malty, and complex." It's medium-bodied and smooth, and is a good choice if you lean toward brews that have a pronounced, robust malt flavor.

According to the Newport, Ore., brewery, this mellow lager was created in 1998 when brewmaster John Maier decided to make an Irish-style lager that would float Guinness. The award-winning brew is light and easy-drinking with a floral nose and fruity crisp-apple finish.

Described as "an amped-up version of a traditional dry stout," the St. Louis brewery's seasonal brew is deserving of the "extra" in its name. It pours black with a smooth, fuller body, and boasts chocolate and coffee aromas on the nose. There's a pleasant sweet, roasted malt character there, too, which balances out the hops.

Described as "an amped-up version of a traditional dry stout," the St. Louis brewery's seasonal brew is deserving of the "extra" in its name. It pours black with a smooth, fuller body, and boasts chocolate and coffee aromas on the nose. There's a pleasant sweet, roasted malt character there, too, which balances out the hops.

This beer from the well-known Boston brewery seems like a logical choice for St. Patty's Day imbibing. The easily accessible brew has a deep red color, caramel flavor, and an even balance of malt and hops.

Named after the famed Gaelic high king, Three Floyd's Irish-style red ale is characterized as very rich with "toffee, caramel, citrus, and pineapple notes."

Named after the famed Gaelic high king, Three Floyd's Irish-style red ale is characterized as very rich with "toffee, caramel, citrus, and pineapple notes."

No conversation about beer and St. Patrick's Day would be complete without mention of Guinness — it's the "pot o' gold" standard for a reason. The perennial holiday favorite, it's full-flavored — rich and silky smooth, with that signature foam — but only clocks in at a low 4.2 percent alcohol by volume. (That's good news for you hard-partying revelers.)

Of course, if you want to stick with a traditionally Irish beer but aren't necessarily in the mood for something dark like Guinness, Kilkenny's Irish cream ale might be the right choice. The amber-hued ale has the same kind of creamy, foamy head but instead has a distinct sweet, toasted malt flavor offset by a slight bitterness.