Brewing Local Pride: Mass.-Made Irish Reds

Boston is proud of its deep Irish roots; and Boston is proud of its beer. It only makes sense to combine the two into one great post about Massachusetts-based breweries that are putting out Irish-style beers. The Irish stouts have already been covered, so here's a look at the Irish red. Some local breweries put these out as Spring seasonals, but others are available year-round.

Related: Made-In-Mass. Irish Stouts

Samuel Adams Irish Red

Boston Beer Co.
Jamaica Plain

For nearly 30 years and counting, Sam Adams has cranked out quality craft beer, and has rarely disappointed. So when it comes to making a beer for the hometown crowd, you just have to expect it's good. This beer was a pet project of Sam Adams brewer Bob Cannon. He originally brewed it for his wedding.

Quinn's Amber Ale

Wachusett Brewing Co.
Westminster

Quinn's Amber Ale is named after a man with an Irish last name who also happens to have been Wachusett's founding brewer, Peter Quinn. Wachusett has been brewing this January-April seasonal since 1998.

Harpoon Celtic Red

Harpoon Brewing Co.
South Boston

Remember learning logic in school? There was the old 'If A=B and B=C, then A=C.' In this case: Harpoon makes beer. Harpoon is headquartered in South Boston. Therefore, Harpoon must brew a Celtic Ale (If you missed the connection, Southie = Irish). The Celtic Ale is Harpoon's Spring seasonal.

Shillelagh Irish Red Nitro Ale

Watch City Brewery
Waltham

We imagine that if Irish red and Irish stout made a love child, this is what it would look like. Shillelagh Irish Red Nitro Ale is rich and red in color, but the injected nitrogen makes it light and fluffy as well. You can find it at a few select bars around town. You can also pick it up in growler form from the brewery in Waltham.

Irish Red Ale

Wormtown Brewery
Worcester

Welcome to Worcester, where the up-and-coming Wormtown Brewery is cranking out some fantastic beers these days. One of them happens to be a 5% ABV smooth and easy drinking Irish Ale.

Cape Cod Red – Red, Right Return

Cape Cod Brewing Co.
Hyannis

If you can't get enough of the reds, here's the good news: Cape Cod Brewing serves their signature beer year round. The bad news: it's tough to find off-Cape. There are a handful stores that carry it though.