The English term "toast" has been traced to the 17th century, and had reference at first to the custom of drinking to the ladies. In Stuart times, it was the practice to put a piece of toast in the wine cup from belief that it improved the flavor of the wine.

However, we can be sure that long before then that drinkers would lift a glass of beer to offer a toast for just about any occasion. Who hasn't been asked to "say a few words" at a wedding, to find the right words to send a friend off on a new job, to help neighbors christen a new home?

Here you'll find some our favorite toasts, many submitted by Real Beer readers. We've arranged them by category, but many toasts would fit in more than one so you may find the one that suits you most by browsing a bit.

- All things Irish
- Beer itself
- Birthday
- Winter holidays
- Friendship
- General
- Humor
- New born
- New venture
- Wedding
- Anniversary/Romance