For some, St. Patty’s Day conjures up images of leprechauns, shamrocks and Irish cheer, but for me, I think about the beer.

While purists might say the only drink acceptable on this holiday is a Guinness, I say to think outside the traditional box.  Guinness is good, but it hails all the way from Dublin…that’s a pretty long journey.  Fortunately, good local beer is here and many of these brewers use sustainable practices.

Check out our picks for drinking locally and sustainably St. Patty’s Day and everyday:

Drink Like a Local

Angel City: Based in Torrance, this local brewery shares space with the Alpine Village (a hot spot for Oktoberfest).  I love the Dunkle, but it’s more of a fall style beer.

Skyscraper: This brewery offers beer-tastings and tours in El Monte.

Eagle Rock: This one also has a public tap room where you can drink on the premises (bring some food or buy from the local taco trucks parked outside).

Craftsman Brewing:  The Owner Delivers the beer himself (well sometimes).  They also offer tours and tastings.

Farther Away But With a Focus on Sustainability

Stone Brewing Co:  The largest purchaser of local, small farm organic produce in San Diego County.  Definitely worth a day trip for a brewery tour and tasting at the all organic Bistro.

North Coast Brewing: Makes Belgian Style Ales in California with organic ingredients.  Their Old Rasputin is a yummy local alternative to traditional Guinness.

Sierra Nevada: This brewery’s roof is completely covered by solar panels and is a hotspot for kids at Chico State University.

New Belgium: Uses wind power and bicycles to make some of the tastiest sustainable brews in North America.

Do you have a sustainable/local beer that didn’t make our list?  Share your favorites with us in the comments.

Images via istock, xmasberry’s flickr and foodwoolf’s flickr