Rufus Leakin

Guru of Folklore

Authorities say a Tampa Bay area man ordered a beer at a bar, left to rob a nearby bank, then earnestly came back to finish his pint of beer.

The Pasco County Sheriff’s Office says 52-year-old John Robin Whittle was arrested at the Hayloft Bar in Port Richey one afternoon. Deputies say he’s the man who robbed a Wells Fargo & Co. bank branch earlier, but not before stopping off at the Hayloft for a brew.

A bartender there says Whittle ordered a beer, disappeared for about 30 minutes and then returned to his beer. Deputies say they arrested him at the bar about 10 minutes after he left the bank.

Whittle remained in jail early the following day on $10,000 bond. No attorney was listed for him.

Let it be known that I’m not one to pass on a well-poured pint every now and then, but this guy must really enjoy his Guinness! Only a true beer lover would take his beer that seriously.

So, in observation of St. Patrick’s Day (and this news clip) I thought I’d do a little tribute to some “pretty daycent” Irish beers. And, no, putting green food coloring in your Bud Light (shudder!) does not mean you’re drinking Irish beer – but here’s a general rule of thumb: If you like lighter beers, go with an Irish Red (and Killian’s–made by Coors–is an amber lager, not an ale). If you like darker, fuller beers: go with a Dry Stout. These are broad generalizations, but generally a good guide to follow.

Unfortunately, there aren’t a whole lot of Irish beers available in the US unless you know where to look. That said, if you want to get your inner Irishman (or Irishwoman) on, here’s a list of beers that should do it for you with good style, flavor, and class:

Smithwick’s: (Pronounced “Smid-icks”), is a VERY good Irish Red Ale brewed by Guinness.

Guinness: The most well-known Irish stout in the states takes on many forms, and although most Guinness available in the States is brewed in Canada, you can still get real, Irish-brewed Guinness. Get it on tap, if possible.

Harp Lager: Also brewed by Guinness. It’s the “tan” part of a “black and tan.” A good tipple for those who enjoy American Light Lagers.

O’Hara’s Irish Red Ale: The Carlow Brewing Company makes this fairly low alcohol content beer (4.3%) in case you’re the designated driver–and the reason it’s on this list.

Caffrey’s Irish Ale: Similar to Smithwicks, unless draft, usually only available in a nitro-can. It heads up somewhat like Guinness, although not as big on flavor. Available in Ontario, but rare in the U.S.A. Slainté, ya’ll!