Midwest Coast Irish Tommy 4Pk

Midwest Coast Irish Tommy 4Pk is a session-strength Irish Red Ale brewed in Chicago at 4.2% ABV, sold as a four-pack of cans. Brewed by Midwest Coast Brewing Company in the West Town neighborhood, Irish Tommy leans into roasted barley and caramel malt character while keeping the body light and the ABV low enough for extended drinking sessions.

Quick Facts: ABV: 4.2%  |  Origin: Chicago, Illinois  |  Style: Irish Red Ale  |  Brewery: Midwest Coast Brewing Company

Production & Heritage

Midwest Coast Brewing Company operates out of 2137 W Walnut Street in Chicago's West Town neighborhood, brewing on an Alpha ten-barrel system. Irish Tommy follows the classic Irish Red Ale blueprint — roasted barley provides the ale's signature ruby color and toasted grain backbone, while restrained hop additions deliver just enough bitterness to balance the malt sweetness without overpowering it. The brewery is also known for its participation in The Green Beer Project, which collects and reuses PakTech plastic can carriers, reflecting a broader commitment to sustainability in its operations.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Caramel malt leads with a layer of faint toffee underneath. A subtle breadiness rounds out the nose, with very little hop presence on the aromatics.

Taste: The first sip is malty and smooth, with brown sugar sweetness arriving early and carrying through the mid-palate. Toasted grain notes emerge as the beer warms slightly, joined by a mild earthy hop bite that provides structure. The 4.2% ABV keeps everything remarkably light on the palate despite the malt-forward profile.

Finish: Medium in length with a clean, lightly toasted quality. A whisper of residual sweetness and dry roasted barley character lingers without becoming heavy.

How to Drink Irish Tommy

Irish Tommy is best enjoyed cold from the can or poured into a pint glass to appreciate its deep ruby color and off-white head. Its low ABV and approachable malt character make it a natural session beer — drink it straight without overthinking it. For beer cocktail enthusiasts: try it in a Black and Tan layered with a dry stout for textural contrast, blend it into a Shandy with fresh lemonade for warm-weather drinking, or use it as the base of a Beer-a-Rita where the caramel sweetness plays well against lime and salt.

Best For

• Backyard cookouts and weekend grilling sessions where low ABV keeps the day going
• Introducing friends to the Irish Red Ale style without overwhelming them
• Pairing with hearty pub-style dinners at home
• St. Patrick's Day celebrations with a genuinely Irish-style beer

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Irish Tommy taste like? Irish Tommy is a malt-driven beer with prominent caramel and brown sugar flavors, a toasted barley backbone, and a mild earthy hop bitterness that keeps it balanced. The overall impression is smooth, clean, and easy to drink.

How does Irish Tommy compare to Smithwick's Irish Ale? Both are Irish Red Ales built on caramel malt and roasted barley, but Irish Tommy comes in at a lower 4.2% ABV compared to Smithwick's 4.5%, making it slightly more sessionable. Irish Tommy also tends toward a drier, more toasted finish where Smithwick's leans creamier and sweeter.

Is Irish Tommy good for beginners? Irish Tommy is an excellent entry point for anyone exploring craft beer or the Irish Red Ale style, thanks to its gentle 4.2% ABV, balanced sweetness, and absence of aggressive hop bitterness.

Where is Irish Tommy made? Irish Tommy is brewed by Midwest Coast Brewing Company at their brewhouse located at 2137 W Walnut Street in the West Town neighborhood of Chicago, Illinois. The brewery uses an Alpha ten-barrel brewing system.

What foods pair well with Irish Tommy? The caramel malt and roasted barley character pairs naturally with grilled burgers and sausages, where the malt sweetness complements charred meat. Shepherd's pie and beef stew echo the ale's Irish roots. Sharp cheddar cheese highlights the toasted grain notes, and brown bread or soda bread creates a harmonious all-malt pairing.

What sizes does Irish Tommy come in? Irish Tommy is available as a four-pack of cans, which is the standard retail format from Midwest Coast Brewing Company.

Is Irish Tommy worth the price? Irish Tommy positions as a craft session ale in a competitive Chicago market, and its low ABV combined with genuine style authenticity represents solid value within the local craft four-pack tier.

Why Irish Tommy?

In a craft beer landscape dominated by IPAs and pastry stouts, Irish Tommy is a deliberate exercise in restraint. Midwest Coast Brewing built this ale around traditional Irish Red Ale principles — roasted barley for color and character, caramel malt for backbone, and just enough hops to keep things honest. At 4.2% ABV, it occupies genuine session territory where many so-called "session" beers creep well above 5%. For drinkers who value balance and drinkability over intensity, Irish Tommy delivers a straightforward, well-made pint from one of Chicago's West Town breweries.