Craft Beer Week Pick: O'Shy's Tap House Has 46 Beers On Tap

In two months since O’Shy’s Irish Tap House opened its doors in the redevelopment area of Largo the bar has already gained a steady group of regulars.

“I know everyone that comes in here, it’s like Cheers,” said Phil the bartender with a smile.

There are only two bartenders at O’Shy’s, Phil and Stacy, so the feeling is probably mutual. While there isn't a rush of customers at any one given time, they tend to sit at the same table outside and interact as if they’re all old friends.

The outdoor patio is fenced in and lined with white Christmas lights. The area fostered good conversation over an extensive selection of quality craft beers.

Based on Phil’s recommendations, I sampled the 'best of ' multiple categories that O’Shy’s has to offer. This included cider, ale, lager, stout and wheat ale.

The Strongbow Cider didn’t taste as sweet as it smelled, but that was far from a bad thing. The strong fruity taste works well in a beer that’s not overwhelmingly sweet. I’d order it again, but the Magner’s Cider has a more realistic apple flavor even if it is a bit more carbonated.

The Boddington’s Ale was initially too bitter for this tester’s taste, but the bitterness seemed to lessen with each sip. This draft had a very pleasant aftertaste and is certainly worth a try.

 The Holy Sheet Lager had a coffee-like taste to it along with a faint sweetness. I can’t imagine ordering this over the other beers tested, but if you’re looking for an IPA that doesn’t taste overwhelmingly of hops, this is your drink.

If the Holy Sheet Lager tasted like coffee, the Lefthand Milk Stout is a smoky-tasting expresso. Like expresso, I wouldn’t want to drink a glass of it, but also like expresso, it tastes great in small doses. Sample it and decide if a glass is for you.

The Napa Smith Wheat Ale had a far less interesting taste than the others tested, but it’s the kind of beer you can drink all night without getting sick of it. The ale tasted like Blue Moon without the citrus flavor. Order it in between other drinks with more intriguing flavors.

If you’re looking to get drunk and enjoy the taste of hops, the Swamp Ape IPA is 10 percent alcohol and certainly doesn’t taste as strong as it is. The brew is made by the Florida Beer Company in Melbourne, so it’s a perfect way to celebrate American Craft Beer Week.

With 46 choices on tap, O’Shy’s will appeal more to fans of quality beer than to those who seek an authentic Irish pub. From the kitschy “Countdown to St. Patrick’s Day” sign to the three Rihanna songs played over approximately two hours, the pub is decidedly American. However, with O’Shy’s, it’s the beer that counts.

All the draft beers cost about $6 and they offer wine, but no liquor. 

O’Shy’s has live music on Wednesday, which is ladies night, and on some weekend nights. Every Sunday they host “Bikers n Beer” from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Bring your motorcycle!