Sustainable stouts for St. Patrick's Day

Five stouts made on this side of the Atlantic from sustainable breweries.

Wed, Mar 17 2010 at 11:18 AM EST

When I drink beer, I usually go for a stout. I love dark beer, and I was in my glory two years ago when my husband and I took a trip to Ireland to celebrate our 15th anniversary. The beer was so good.

While there will always be a place in my heart for Smithwicks or Guinness poured straight from the tap, I’m thinking it’s time I venture out a bit and try some stout made here in the United States. I’ve been taking a look at what organic and sustainable stouts we have available on this side of the Atlantic.

Since today is St. Patick’s Day, I thought it only fitting to share with you what I’ve found in the way of organic or sustainable stouts from around the country. Let me know if you’ve ever tried any of these or if there are others you’ve tried that aren’t listed here.

Long Trail Coffee Stout – I told you about this coffee stout some time back. Long Trail Brewing Co. in Vermont uses fair trade, organic coffee in this stout that’s made by sustainable methods.
Organic Raven’s Eye Imperial Stout - A multi-award winning stout from Eel River Brewing Company in California.
Pisgah Brewing Company’s Nitro Stout – This organic stout from a North Carolina brewery aims to imitate famous stouts from the British Isles.
Old Plowshare – North Coast Brewing Co. in California makes this Celtic-style certified organic stout.
Dogfish Head Chicory Stout – Local to me Dogfish Head Brewery in Delaware has this seasonal stout with organic coffee.

If you come across any of these stouts today while you’re out celebrating St. Patrick’s Day, give them a shot, or should I say give them a pour.