It’s more than just alliteration; it’s a statement, a proclamation that Thursdays are when the weekend should really start. Kicking it off right is the key, and what better way than with a cocktail that not only takes the edge off, but tastes good too. A hard thing to disagree with, we know. Drink up, get down and go to sleep happy.

It's that time of year again, when leprechauns linger around shiny pots of gold and four leaf clovers find their way onto green hats, plastic necklaces and Irish insignias around the country. Whether celebrating St. Paddy's Day means hitting the streets or hanging out at home this year, having a beer (or three) is a must, and making it an Irish-style brew is always encouraged. But while Guinness has long reigned king of creamy stouts, Irish beers go well beyond the dark Dublin classic, and some of the best bottles come from brewers you may not have heard of.

We caught up with restaurant beer director and Irish beer enthusiast Greg Engert, who shared a few of his favorite Irish-style sips. From traditional dry stouts to off-the-beaten-path ales, say hello to St. Paddy's Day imbibing with a pint of something new.

Traditional: Guinness Irish Stout, Murphy's Irish Stout, Beamish Irish Stout

Off The Beaten Path: Porterhouse Oyster Stout, Starr Hill Dark Starr Stout, Victory Donnybrook Stout

Traditional: Smithwick's, O'Hara's Irish Red, Murphy's Irish Red

Off The Beaten Path: Great Lakes Conway's Irish Ale, Harpoon Celtic Ale, Moylan's Irish-Style Red Ale

Off The Beaten Path: Schlafly Irish-Style Extra Stout, Cooper's Best Extra Stout, Lion Stout, Dragon Stout