Sure, I’ll admit it. I’ve had a few glasses of green beer in my days. Well, thin plastic cups are more the order of the day for the crowded streets of Butte or the packed bars of Missoula during the rollicking celebrations of St. Patrick’s Day.  Guinness Draught will certainly be the choice of many, though I prefer the sharp coffee bite of a robust stout to the dry, understated flavors of a traditional Irish dry stout.  Guinness improves greatly when mixed with ice cream or forming the base of a decadently delicious Irish car bomb.

Locally, Big Sky Brewing Co. released their latest brew from their limited 406 series, Irish Stout. You’ll find it at the brewery as well as on local shelves in six packs.  I haven’t had a chance to try it yet, but the description certainly has me curious (“powerful does of chocolate and coffee flavors and kiss o’sour mash”).

My long time favorite, Bayern Brewing Co’s Killarney Red Lager, is a tribute to Butte America brewed, ironically (and quite well), by a Bavarian brewmaster. If you’re celebrating in Missoula, head downtown to Sean Kelly’s Public House on Pine Street at 7:00 tomorrow for the tapping of a wooden keg of Killarney and one of the many performances from the Celtic Dragon Pipe Band.

What’s your beer of choice for St. Patrick’s Day?