BELGIAN STRONG GOLDEN ALE
___________________________

Moortgat "Duvel," $7/25 oz.

Considered by many to be the world’s finest beer, Duvel is the most widely recognized of Belgian ales. Deceptively pale in color, this devil packs a wallop. Duvel’s dense frothy head needs plenty of space in the glass and has pungent aromas of tree fruit and green herbs. In the mouth, its earthy quality is complex, nutty and delicious. A whip-crack of bitter hops, a Champagne-like dryness and a clean finish make this ale an ideal food partner.

Lambic beers' distinctive acidity and earthy funk compare more easily to Champagne or cider than to other beers, a result of ancient brewing techniques. “Saint Lamvinus” is from Cantillon, the finest of traditional lambic producers. Red Bordeaux grapes are added to the brew, and the result is stunning: a dry fruit beer of depth and grace, with a sharp wine-like finish

BRITISH IMPERIAL STOUT
___________________________

Samuel Smith "Imperial Stout," $8/19 oz.

The “Old Brewery” at Tadcaster in Yorkshire has managed to survive lean decades to emerge as one of England’s leading brewers of fine ales. The brewery’s “Samuel Smith” line is held in the highest esteem. However, the brewery’s black ales, porters and stouts deserve special status. The deluxe offering is their “Imperial Stout,” whose inky black color and concentration of flavor defy the laws of nature. Its aroma is a sharp blast of espresso and cocoa, cushioned by a luxuriously custardy head. Intense chicory and bittersweet chocolate flavors create a lingering finish that cries out for dark chocolate desserts.

BRITISH BARLEY WINE
___________________________

J.W. Lees "Vintage Harvest Ale 2000," $8/12 oz.

Barley Wine has the strength to age gracefully, as evidenced by the vintage dating used by J.W. Lees. An internationally revered brew, new releases of their mature ales are anxiously awaited by the cognoscenti, collected and laid down for further aging. As garnet in color as tawny port, this beer is just as rich and strong in the mouth. Complex aromas of fruitcake and leather compete with an ambrosially sweet flavor of almonds and marmalade. Almost too sweet to serve with desserts, this beer is more at home in a snifter with a slab of Stilton and a cigar.

AMERICAN INDIA PALE ALE
___________________________

Dogfish Head "90 Minute I.P.A.," $8/25 oz.

The American approach to brewing takes is as bold and brash as it is to food, fashion and film. Dogfish Head in Delaware is a leader in a talented field, brewing powerhouse beers with explosively intense flavor. The amber “90 Minute I.P.A.” is as hoppy as a beer can be, full of green herbal aromas like cedar and grapefruit peel. Hop-heads will appreciate this ale’s homage to the underappreciated flower. Medium-dry in attack, toasty malt is strongly present but masked by resinous hops in brute force. The beer’s finish is bracingly bitter, making it adept at handling spicy food.

ERIN GO BREW
Top Irish Beers
St. Paddy's Day shouldn't be the only excuse to drink Irish beer. From ales to lagers to cream ales, Ireland sure knows how to make a solid brew. Try any one of these selections from our top Irish beers list.