‘WE’RE ALL FRIENDS WHEN WE’RE BEER DRINKERS’
One of those holidays that seems to encourage people to have a drink and a good time is coming up. The Saskatoon StarPhoenix spoke to five breweries in and around the city to get their recommendations for the best beers to imbibe for this year’s St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. And don’t forget to arrange for a safe ride home. 1. Prairie Sun Brewery — Dark Horse Ale
Described by brewery owner and CEO Heather Williams as “nice and roasty,” this darker beer is a limited production run by Prairie Sun produced alongside another brewery in Ontario. Prairie Sun Brewery does the whole “green beer” thing for St. Patrick’s Day along, with some Irish-themed entertainment, but Williams said this specialty beer is too dark to dye. With a robust flavour and some similarities to the classic pint of Guinness, Williams said this is the one she’d recommend for St. Patrick’s Day. “It’s kind of a fun beer we’re doing — a little more special this year,” she said.
2. High Key Brewing — Jolly Roger (Irish Red Ale)
“We condition that one with Jamaican rum and toasted oats, so it kind of gives it a barrel-aged feel, so it’s a really fun one,” High Key founder Madeline Conn said. One of the “mainstays” for the Saskatoon brewery, Conn said the Jolly Roger is the first beer she’d recommend for St. Patrick’s Day. High Key has several events planned for the weekend, including the Perogie Pirates food truck and other festivities on Saturday. Conn said they like to “change it up” for the holiday each year.
3. 9 Mile Legacy Brewing Company — Oscar The Red (Irish Red Ale)
Named for a former Irish employee who came to live in Saskatchewan and married a Saskatchewan woman when he was here, CEO Shawn Moen said it’s a brew they bring back every year in celebration of St. Patrick’s Day. “We have a beer named after him ... the key Irish addition will be Oscar the Red,” Moen said. “For me, (St. Patrick’s Day) is really about getting good people together ... and enjoying each other’s company.” Something of a traditionalist, Moen said he doesn’t go for the green beer on St. Patrick’s Day. Instead, he really embraces the idea of Irish craic (enjoyable conversation and entertainment among friends) at the taproom as well as at home.
4. Nokomis Craft Ales — Nokomis Brown Ale
They aren’t located in Saskatoon, but they’re a great local brewery in the province with a delicious selection. Owner Jeff Allport said they don’t have a specific St. Patrick’s Day beer, but their classic brown ale would be his first pick. “The brown ale is a nice beer this time of year,” Allport said. “It’s not a stout ... but it has some of the dark, roasty flavours and that kind of a profile.” Allport said if people are going to celebrate a holiday that traditionally involves drinking beer, they might as well avoid the imports and stick with the great local beers brewed in the province.
5. Great Western Brewing Company — Original 16 Pale Ale
A no-nonsense pick from company president and CEO Michael Brennan, the pale ale is one of the staples of what is produced by the Saskatoon-based brewers. Brennan describes the beer as smooth, crisp, and “great every sip you take out of it,” adding that he recommends it because he feels it’s great for any social occasion. “We’re all friends when we’re beer drinkers,” he said with a laugh.