Drink #35 Killian’s Irish Red

3.17.2012

I don’t know if you knew this, but for the most part, St. Patrick’s Day is to non-drinkers what Valentine’s Day is to single people: just another day.

For years–other than at work–I’ve avoided wearing green on St. Patrick’s Day because wearing green on St. Patrick’s day after age 15 is like having on jeans with your pockets full of electronics at a pool party: sooner or later everyone knows you’re going to be pushed into the pool.

Wait. Does that analogy work? Eh, kinda. If you’re wearing green on St. Patrick’s Day, everyone assumes you’ll be drinking. Wow. That was more accurate, but soooooo boring. Am I right? Quiet, you.

So, this was my very first St. Patrick’s Day where not only was I wearing green, as an adult, during the day, intentionally but I was going to actually go to a bar ( !!! ) and have a beer! Yeah, that’s right.

Can I take a moment? Thanks.

This is one of those times on the Adventure when doing this drinking thing feels a bit surreal. This holiday in the past, for me, has always been a bit of duck-n-cover, avoiding the subject. If there was ever a day during the year when I’d be asked 50 times in a row why I didn’t drink, it was on St. Patrick’s Day.

So actually indulging in the sport that is drinking on the greenest day of the year–sorry Earth Day–is kinda weird.

Did you know that outside of green beer and wearing blinking shamrock alien ears, St. Patrick’s Day is actually a cultural and religious holiday commemorating Saint Patrick, the most commonly recognized of the patron saints of Ireland, and the arrival of Christianity in Ireland?

Over time it became a universal celebration of Irish culture in areas where Irish folk are thriving. The day is generally celebrated by teaching Irish culture, attending church services, wearing green and the lifting of Lenten restrictions on drinking alcohol.

I mention this because its mostly the last two parts that is best known anymore in wider circles. And in America–as long as you’re serving green beer and corned beef sliders–any bar or restaurant is poised to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day successfully.

Can I take another moment? Really, you’re sweet.

There has been a rising argument among friends and family about how I sometimes treat this project. Some feel–if I’m going to do it right–every drink should be top shelf, best of the best and in the most opportune setting or on an appropriate day.

Whereas, I feel like it should be a far wider, broader experience. More universal, spontaneous. I’m not that much of a purist, really. I like the mood to strike me. I want to drink where I feel its… That is to say, I think my experience should be more… I… I…

Ok! Ok! I’m just talking out my ass, fuck. sorry. Look–and please don’t judge me–but I had my first Killian’s Irish Red on St. Patrick’s Day at a southern BBQ restaurant in a predominantly Latin neighborhood.

I know! I know. I’m betraying my Irish roots. Next I’ll pawn all my prized scalps for Welsh cholera blankets at Russian cash-for-gold store, betraying my Native American roots… don’t even look at me. I’m hideous!

But, seriously, if I may take yet another moment, that Killian’s was damn good.

Have you ever had one? It was on draft so it was really, nicely creamy. Rich, nutty, malty, with a dynamic soft rye bread finish. It was slightly sweet with caramel notes, bread notes and just a touch of tangy apple. I adored it. It was more creamy than crisp, but it was so full and so tasty.

I think it might be fighting it out with Fat Tire and Magic Hat #9 for the top spots. Its not overly complicated, but it was just delicious and I loved the rye and malty flavors dancing together with the creaminess.

And–thanks for asking–yes, the BBQ chicken and shrimp I had was delicious, as were the greens and blue cheese coleslaw.

I know, I kinda messed this one up. But I did have my first Guinness in a traditional Irish American bar a few weeks back. Doesn’t that count for something? Not really? Oh.

Well, Happy St. Patrick’s Day anyway, everyone! I hope you took some time to celebrate Irish heritage, confess your sins at Mass and that you didn’t wake up in pool of your own green vomit. I didn’t do any of those things either, if it makes you feel better. Oh. It doesn’t? Hm.

All I can say for myself is that at least I didn’t have green beer at a Applebee’s. Am I right? Those people are the real monsters. Debasing a proud Irish holiday. I mean, sure, I came damn close. But I can rest on those laurels.

Seriously, quit judging me. I’m pulling my virgin card. Back off. I mean it. I’m sorry.

Cheers, Ben


PS: This upcoming week is going to be insane. For one, I’m starting a new job (yay me!) but for another, I’ve got a friend’s birthday party at a bar, followed by my charity Yappy Hour at the Blue Banana, followed by my new job celebration dinner at a pop-up restaurant with 8 courses and 4 signature drinks (you could come too) and then… pant, pant… my cousin’s birthday party. That’s 1 new job, 2 birthdays, 4 dinners and 7-8 newdrinks in one week. If I’m not dead, you will be enjoying one hell of a series of blog posts. Because I’m doing this for you. You. Not me. YOU. Remember that.