How much Irish DNA do you have flowing through your genes?

I ask because this is the time of the year when we all are a tad, a touch or a ton Irish, right? Good old St. Patrick’s Day!

Now, for a bit of a history lesson.

St. Patrick was born in England. At a very young age, he was kidnapped and sold into slavery in Ireland. Eventually, he escaped captivity, went back to England, converted to Christianity, and became a 5th century missionary to Ireland. He is credited with bringing Christianity to the island, and he was later made a bishop of the Emerald Isle. He is one of the patron saints of Ireland, and he served the Irish population for over 40 years.

He is known as the Apostle of Ireland, and as an avid spokesperson for the poor and the oppressed. March 17 is considered his feast day as it’s thought to be the day of his death.

Legend credits him with using the shamrock to signify the Holy Trinity — three separate entities, but, yet, all part of the same entity. He never wore green, but was known to always wear blue clothing. He didn’t drive the snakes out of Ireland. Scientists tell us the Irish environment is too cold for snakes.

He was never formally canonized by the Catholic Church so he’s not an official saint of the church. He is remembered for being a very good man, and served the oppressed Irish with love and compassion. Apparently, he enjoyed periodic libations because he said that everyone should enjoy a drop of the hard stuff every once in awhile. And that tradition continues to this day!

So to honor this man, let’s discuss a few Irish liquids.

Of course, everyone knows about Guinness. It’s s stout — a type of ruby red dark beer that falls into the family of ales. It is pressurized with nitrogen gas, and, when opened, the result is the creamy white foam that forms on the top of the beer. It is such a delicious drink. By the way, do you know what a widget is? It is an important part of the Guinness story.

If your taste buds enjoy a crisp pilsner style lager, reach for a Harp Lager. Brewed in Dublin, this one is lightly sweet with a soft creamy, yet crisp, finish. Lots of good sipping here!

Another Irish brew to consider is a Smithwick Red Ale. You’ll initially smell its pleasant caramel aroma, and then you are on your way for a nicely balanced ale tasting with very flavorful roasted malt notes.

Don’t forget Ireland is noted for its iconic distilling of whiskey. There are many brands (Such as Bushmills and Jameson to name a couple) to choose from, but my favorite is 12-year-old Redbreast Irish Whiskey. When I first tasted it a few years ago, the flavor filled complexity of the liquid stopped me in my tracks! It’s worth a quaff!

By the way, when you raise a glass on St. Patrick’s Day or when in Ireland, you toast each other by saying Sláinte! The word is pronounced like slawn-che! However you want to say the word, just do it. During this time of the year when wearing the green is upon us, let’s honor St. Patrick by having a drop of the hard stuff! Remember he was a darn good person, and I’ll always raise a glass to a good person. Maybe one day I’ll raise a glass to you!

So, what the heck, let’s raise a glass of Irish liquid to each other, and, if nothing else, honor each other with our presence!

Sláinte!

As always, eat and drink in moderation but laugh with reckless abandon!

Cheers!