March 17th is just around the corner. It’s not too late to brew your Irish Tradition with your own homebrewed beer. The Skagit Stout and Red Tide Irish Red kits are on sale this month. Take 25% off extract and all-grain kits for February.
“Want a beer ready for St. Patrick’s Day? Start brewing now. Both styles are quick, forgiving, and rewarding to make at home.”
St. Patrick’s Day and beer go hand in hand. While most people are reaching for a pint of Guinness or whatever green-dyed lager is being poured at the local bar, homebrewers have a unique opportunity—to craft their own perfect St. Paddy’s pint. Whether it’s a smooth, roasty stout or a crisp, malt-forward Irish Red, brewing your own beer for the holiday just makes the celebration better.
At Northwest Brewers Supply, we believe beer is best when it’s fresh, well-made, and shared with good company. That’s why we’re featuring two of our favorite homebrew kits for St. Patrick’s Day: Skagit Stout and Red Tide Irish Red. These are classic, time-tested styles that have defined Irish beer for centuries. The stout is rich, dark, and dry, with a creamy head, while the red ale is smooth, easy-drinking, and a great way to introduce friends to flavorful beer without scaring them off with too much bitterness or heavy hops.
If you want your homebrew ready for March 17, now’s the time to start brewing. In this article, I’ll walk you through what makes these beers special, share some tips on getting them right, and even throw in a few tricks for enjoying St. Patrick’s Day beer the right way—including how to pour a proper Guinness. Whether you’re brewing at home or want to drink better beer this year, we’ve got you covered. Let’s get started.
When people think about St. Patrick’s Day beer, two styles immediately come to mind—Irish Stout and Irish Red Ale. These beers aren’t just popular because they come from Ireland; they’ve stood the test of time because they’re well-balanced, easy-drinking, and full of character without being overwhelming.
Like Guinness or Murphy’s, a classic Irish Stout is dark, dry, and smooth with a creamy head. It has just enough roasted barley to give it that signature coffee-like bitterness, but it finishes crisp and light enough to have more than one. The big misconception about stout is that it’s “too heavy.” In reality, most Irish stouts are lower in alcohol than an IPA and don’t sit nearly as heavy as a thick pastry stout. It’s a perfect session beer—something you can drink all night without it knocking you over.
Irish Red Ale is a different animal but just as essential to the St. Patrick’s Day lineup. It’s malty, slightly sweet, and smooth, with a beautiful deep red color. If your friends usually stick to lighter beers, an Irish Red is a great way to introduce them to a little more flavor without scaring them off with bitterness or hop intensity.
Both of these beers are simple to brew at home, and if you start now, they’ll be in prime condition for St. Paddy’s Day. Whether you’re going for dark and roasty or smooth and malty, you can’t go wrong with either choice.
If you want your St. Patrick’s Day beer ready to pour on March 17, now’s the time to brew. Irish Stouts and Red Ales are some of the most straightforward, rewarding beers to make at home. They don’t require complex ingredients, fancy techniques, or months of aging—just good brewing habits and a little patience.
The Skagit Stout Kit makes brewing a classic dry Irish stout easy. The key to nailing this style is roasted barley—it gives the beer its deep color, signature dry finish, and just the right amount of coffee-like bitterness. Ferment it cool, around 65°F, to keep the flavors crisp and clean. Give it a couple of weeks in the bottle or keg, and you’ll have a smooth, creamy stout ready for St. Paddy’s Day.
For a maltier, more approachable option, our Red Tide Irish Red Kit delivers a beautifully balanced Irish Red Ale. This one is all about the malt—caramel and biscuit flavors with just a touch of roast for depth. Keep your fermentation temperature steady, and you’ll end up with a smooth, clean beer perfect for sharing.
Both styles are forgiving and beginner-friendly. If you’re new to brewing, they’re great beers. If you’re experienced, they’re fun to tweak and dial in. Either way, you’ll have a fresh, homemade beer for the holiday—nothing beats that.
Once your St. Patrick’s Day beer is ready, the next step is enjoying it the right way. Whether you brewed your own or picked up a classic Irish beer, a little know-how ensures you get the best possible pint.
Let’s start with properly pouring a Guinness (or any stout) from a can. Most people crack it open and dump it in a glass, but if you want that signature creamy head, there’s a right way to do it. First, use a clean, dry pint glass. Open the can and tip it into the pint glass. As the beer pours out, begin lifting the can, keeping it just below its surface. Once the can is empty, wait the requisite 119.5 seconds for the nitrogen to rise into the head. Enjoy the show while you wait. Now that you have been patient, you can savor your pint. Expect some nice lacing in the glass while you sip.
Now, let’s talk about when to drink an Irish Stout. Most people associate dark beers with winter, but a properly brewed stout is a fantastic year-round beer. It’s lower in alcohol than most craft beers, lighter-bodied than people expect, and pairs well with everything from oysters to burgers. Don’t let the color fool you—it’s not a heavy, filling beer.
And if you’re introducing friends to craft beer, Irish Red Ale is a perfect gateway. It’s smooth, slightly sweet, and easy to drink without the bitterness of an IPA or the richness of a stout; an excellent option for anyone looking to expand their beer horizons this St. Patrick’s Day.
Drinking St. Patrick’s Day beer is one thing—celebrating like a brewer takes it up a notch. Whether you brew your own or just appreciate a well-made pint, there are plenty of ways to improve your St. Paddy’s celebration.
First, let’s talk food pairings. Irish Stout and Irish Red Ale are both incredibly food-friendly. A dry stout like our Skagit Stout pairs beautifully with rich, hearty dishes like shepherd’s pie, corned beef and cabbage, or a classic Irish stew. The roastiness of the stout cuts through fatty, savory flavors, making each bite better than the last. On the other hand, Red Tide Irish Red is perfect with grilled meats, roasted chicken, or even fish and chips. The malt sweetness balances salty, crispy foods, making it a crowd-pleaser.
Want to make things even more fun? Host a St. Patrick’s Day beer tasting. If you brewed an Irish Stout and an Irish Red, line them up and compare flavors. Grab a few commercial examples of each style and see how yours stacks up. Add some Irish cheese and soda bread to the mix, and you’ve got a tasting party that’s way better than just drinking whatever green beer the bars are pouring!
The key to celebrating like a brewer? Start now. If you want your homebrew ready for St. Patrick’s Day, get brewing this week! There’s nothing better than raising a glass to your hard work on March 17.
St. Patrick’s Day is always better with great beer, and there’s no better way to celebrate than by raising a pint of something you brewed yourself. Whether it’s a classic dry stout or a smooth, malty Irish Red, having a homebrew ready to pour on March 17 adds an extra layer of satisfaction to the holiday.
If you haven’t brewed yet, now’s the time. Skagit Stout and Red Tide Irish Red are simple, reliable recipes that deliver big flavor without much fuss. They’re forgiving styles, meaning you don’t have to be a brewing expert to get them right, and they ferment quickly enough to be ready for the big day.
“This month, both our Skagit Stout and Red Tide Irish Red kits are 25% off—so there’s no excuse not to get brewing.”
Even better? This month, both kits are 25% off (yeast not included), so there’s no excuse not to get brewing. Whether you’re a seasoned homebrewer or just getting started, these are two styles you’ll love having on tap. Grab one—or both—and get your St. Paddy’s lineup locked in.
Place your order today, start brewing this week, and by March 17, you’ll have a fresh, homemade pint to enjoy. No green dye, no gimmicks—just a great beer made by you. Order your kit now and make this St. Patrick’s Day one to remember!
Sláinte!
The Super Bowl is not just a football game—it’s an event that brings people together to enjoy food, fun, and, of course, great beer. If you’re a homebrewer looking to impress your friends and family, brewing a batch tailored to the occasion is the ultimate way to enhance game day. What are the best beers to brew for the Super Bowl. Here are some fantastic recipes that cater to various tastes and pair well with Super Bowl staples like wings, nachos, and pizza. We can’t leave beer cheese off the list. Quick question: how much beer cheese does Green Bay need to drink to win the Super Bowl?
For all the Seahawks fans out there who would instead try to forget the season, I would recommend the Stilly Stout; after a few rounds with that beer, you won’t care about, well, anything.
Don’t forget, you only have 30 days left to fill your kegerator with homebrew. Get 10% off a beer kit now through Jan 18th to make that a little easier.
Mt. Cream Ale
This light-bodied, straw-colored ale is a classic choice. Its balanced and refreshing profile (OG 1.048, ABV 4.5%) makes it a perfect companion for chips and dips or a platter of sliders.
Spring Fling Lemon Cream Ale
For something with a citrus twist, this lemon-forward ale (OG 1.053, ABV 5.9%) is crisp and crushable. Its refreshing taste pairs excellently with grilled veggies and chicken skewers.
6th Street Wheat
If you’re looking for a clean, approachable beer, this American Wheat (OG 1.052, ABV 5.3%) is a winner. With soft malt flavors and a dry finish, it’s great for pairing with spicy buffalo wings.
Whidbey Wit
A Belgian Witbier (OG 1.047, ABV 4.7%) featuring orange peel and coriander, this brew is light and elegant, complementing fresh salads or seafood dishes on your Super Bowl spread.
Cascade Pale Ale
This American Pale Ale (OG 1.052, ABV 5.1%) showcases Cascade hops, offering a balance of malt and citrusy bitterness. It’s a go-to for hop lovers and pairs wonderfully with burgers and fries.
Sacred Cow IPA
A modern West Coast IPA (OG 1.059, ABV 5.7%) with Simcoe, Amarillo, and Cryo Cascade hops, this beer’s bold flavors are ideal for cutting through the richness of cheesy nachos or pulled pork.
(p)Hazey New England IPA
A hazy IPA (OG 1.059, ABV 5.7%) featuring double-dry-hopped Citra, Mosaic, and El Dorado hops. Its juicy profile is a touchdown with tangy BBQ or sweet and spicy glazed wings.
Red Tide Irish Red Ale
With its roasted malt character and touch of sweetness (OG 1.053, ABV 5.2%), this red ale is a crowd-pleaser that pairs beautifully with hearty stews or corned beef sliders.
Chuckanut Brown
An English Brown Ale (OG 1.055, ABV 5.7%) with hints of chocolate and nuttiness, this beer is smooth and satisfying—great with smoked sausages or pretzels.
Stilly Stout
This Russian Imperial Stout (OG 1.082, ABV 8.1%) is rich, dark, and perfect for sipping during halftime. Serve it with dessert-like brownies or chocolate chip cookies for a winning combination.
Inside Passage Imperial IPA
For those who want hops and strength, this Imperial IPA (OG 1.083, ABV 8.4%) delivers. Pair it with bold flavors like spicy chili or a loaded pizza.
Brewing one—or more—of these beers ensures your Super Bowl party stands out. With a little planning, you can have the perfect batch ready to serve, making the big game an unforgettable experience. Cheers to great beer and even better company!
By Peter Biello, GPB News
Part of former President Jimmy Carter’s legacy can likely be found at any number of craft breweries throughout the country. In 1978, Carter signed a bill that ended the prohibition on homebrewing. As states gradually followed suit—Georgia legalized the hobby in the 1990s—homebrewing grew in popularity and helped create new generations of craft beer entrepreneurs. Charlie Papazian, the author of The Complete Joy of Homebrewing, spoke with GPB’s Peter Biello.
Image “Beer sampling”. Credit: Quinn Dombrowski/GPB News
PETER BIELLO: Before Carter signed the legislation lifting the federal prohibition on homebrewing, what was it like for Homebrewers who were trying to learn the craft?
CHARLIE PAPAZIAN: Well, the fact that homebrewing was illegal really didn’t stop the beer enthusiasts at the time. We knew that the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms had a lot more important things to do. And then, you know, they’ve come out and indicated that they weren’t interested in prosecuting homebrewers who were making beer for their own personal use.
PETER BIELLO: As far as I understand it, they actually came to one of the classes that you were teaching, right? You had a ATF agent show up?
CHARLIE PAPAZIAN: Well, allegedly, yes.
PETER BIELLO: You never got confirmation of that?
CHARLIE PAPAZIAN: Well, I was teaching homebrew classes here in Boulder, Colo., in the 1970s. And I got a warning that somebody suspicious had registered for my class. And this guy showed up with dark slack pants, a white shirt and a black necktie. And he probably was the only person dressed like that for miles around. And he came to the class. I knew he was going to be coming. And I just gave my ordinary spiel that, you know, the ATF, the government has better things to do than arrest homebrewers, just — you make homebrew, make it for your own personal use and definitely don’t sell it. And then I went on with teaching the glass and he rolled up his sleeves and learned how to make beer in the two classes that he showed up in.
PETER BIELLO: What was your reaction when Carter signed the bill lifting the prohibition on homebrewing?
CHARLIE PAPAZIAN: I was really happy that it happened. But I’ll tell you, a lot of my homebrewing students that had taken my class, they said, “Oh, nuts. Now that it’s legal, it’s not going to be as much fun.” But it turned out that it’s really a blast and I’m still brewing after 50 years.
PETER BIELLO: And in addition to the hobby staying fun, as fun as it ever was, what other changes happened to the hobby once the bill was signed lifting the prohibition?
CHARLIE PAPAZIAN: Well, the bill really had some serious effects, positively, on the quality and the quantity of and the variety of beer-making supplies, ingredients, equipment. The ingredients became more fresh as people were able to really learn about homebrewing and access these ingredients. But what really inhibited things was the ability to get together and have homebrew competitions and homebrew events and share your knowledge and your beer with others. And that’s what the legislation really addressed more seriously than the ability to make it at home. It was the ability to share it with your friends and go to club meetings and conferences and competitions and learn about the art and science of homebrewing.
PETER BIELLO: So what was the impact of finally being allowed to have those conferences and those competitions?
CHARLIE PAPAZIAN: Well, in those days there was very little homebrew knowledge available. There weren’t very many books. Mine was one of the few. So we had to rely on each other’s experiences and the sharing of knowledge one-on-one with each other. So it was pretty damn important that we be able to get together and taste each other’s beer and talk about what we were tasting or what was good about our beers and what was not so good about our beers. And that was the whole foundation of the culture of homebrewing was the sharing of knowledge. And it continues to this day, not only with homebrewing but the foundation of and the idea of collaboration and sharing information really has spilled over to the professional craft beer and brewing movement as well. So it was homebrewers that were really driving the craft beer movement throughout the ’70s, ’80s, ’90s and even today. A lot of the innovation that we see has its foundation in some homebrewer’s home brewery.
PETER BIELLO: Well as we raise a pint to President Carter, Charlie Papazian, thank you so much for speaking with me. I really appreciate it.
CHARLIE PAPAZIAN: Thanks for having me, Peter. It’s fun. Too bad we couldn’t be sharing a beer while we were doing this.
This story comes to Northwest Brewers Supply, nwbrewers.com, through a reporting partnership with GPB News, a non-profit newsroom covering the state of Georgia.
As the chill of winter settles in, I find myself reminiscing about one of my all-time favorite seasonal brews: Widmer Brothers’ original Brrr Hoppy Red Ale. Its bold red hue, sharp hop bitterness, and distinctive piney resin flavor stood out during the colder months. However, after the brewery transitioned to their proprietary “Alchemy” hop blend, I felt the beer had lost some of its original charm. I hope to bring it back with my Brrr clone recipe.
Years ago, I had painstakingly crafted a brrr clone recipe that captured the essence of that beloved original release. Originally, I named it “F*$% It’s Cold.” Tragically, a database corruption wiped out my digital records and, with them, the cherished recipe. This experience taught me how to keep hard copies of important documents.
Determined to bring back that classic winter ale, I revisited my brewing notes and memories to recreate the recipe. I’m thrilled to announce that Northwest Brewers Supply is now offering a seasonal beer kit that attempts to replicate the original Brrr Hoppy Red Ale faithfully. You can check out the Brrr Clone Recipe here. Lookig for an extract version?
Tasting Notes:
Availability:
This exclusive beer kit is available for a limited time—just two months—at Northwest Brewers Supply. To accommodate brewers of all preferences, we offer both extract and all-grain versions of the kit. Visit us in-store at 940 S. Spruce St. to pick up your kit and take the trek, brewing this winter classic. Extract kits are $49.99, and all-grain kits are $34.99. The kits do not include yeast. This is a higher abv beer, so an appropriate starter or extra yeast is advised.
Whether you’re a seasoned homebrewer or new to the craft, this Brrr clone beer kit offers an opportunity to create and enjoy a piece of Northwest brewing heritage. Gather with friends and family, share the fruits of your labor, and toast to the rich traditions that make our brewing community so special.
Warm up your winter with a brew that brings the past into the present, honoring the original Widmer Brothers Brrr. I look forward to sharing this journey with you.
Cheers,
Ben Holm