Showing posts with label BrewDog. Show all posts
Showing posts with label BrewDog. Show all posts

Tuesday, January 2, 2024

CorkBillyBeers #55. Craft with 9 White Deer, Kildare Brewing, Brewdog

CorkBillyBeers #55


Craft with 9 White Deer, Kildare Brewing, Brewdog


A red ale and two stouts for the darker nights.

*******************



9 White Deer Stag Stout, 4.2% ABV, 500 ml bottle Bradleys


This gluten-free Stag Stout, from Ballyvourney’s 9 White Deer, weighs in at 4.2% ABV. It is a glossy black colour with a soft tan head. Aromas are rich and full of chocolate promise, which is fully delivered in the mouth. Here the chocolate and Madagascan vanilla play quite the most pleasing duet as the rich and smooth beer finds its way around. This is a must-try chocolate “block” from the West Cork Gaeltacht; it is distinctive and delicious. Smooth and creamy, all without any nitro!


We enjoyed this early in the year and the conclusion now is very much the same. 


Very Highly Recommended.


I first came across this black beauty in Blairs Inn (near Blarney) in the winter of 2017. Richard Blair, one of two brothers then running the gastro pub, told me of a satisfied customer of a few days earlier. A coeliac, the man hadn’t drunk stout, his favourite tipple, for twenty years but, having sampled the Stag, left Blair's Inn with tears of gratitude.


They say: Stag Stout is a medium-bodied traditional dry Irish stout at 4.2 % ABV. It is designed to appeal primarily to traditional stout drinks, who remember how creamy the pints used to be. The complex recipe we developed brings back to life characteristics that are long forgotten. However this stout is like no other, Stag Stout also happens to be gluten-free, the first of its kind anywhere in the world.


The combination of the medium body, low carbonation and low hop bitterness makes Stag Stout a dangerously drinkable stout that tastes every bit as gorgeous as it looks. The promise from 9 White Deer is that as you enjoy a pint of Stag Stout you will agree with them in their assertion that it is the “Smoothest Stout in Ireland”.  It certainly is a good one!


*******************


Brewdog Black Heart Draught Stout, 4.1% ABV, 440 ml can Bradleys


As is their usual way, Brewdog demanded attention when they launched Black Heart Draught Stout. They would take on Guinness with this  “Classic stout, brewed in and for this century. Old dog, new tricks.”


Not too sure the old dog stands up to scrutiny (Brew Dog was founded as recently as 2007) and the “new trick” turns out to be the well-known nitrogen that they add to the Chocolate and extra dark crystal malts to give smooth layers of roasted, toasted coffee and cocoa, with a hint of caramel coming through. Besides, it is labelled as Draught Stout which it is obviously not.


It certainly looks the part, black as night with a creamy-looking off-white top that hangs around a bit. There is indeed the roasted coffee and coca and caramel coming through in the smoothness. But I feel that here, and in quite a few similar stouts, the nitrogen (listed on the label), while undoubtedly adding smoothness, shaves down some other characteristics. It is not quite as “Hoppy Bitter Malty” as they proclaim. I’d give it malty but the other two are very shy indeed.


They have identified Guinness and Dublin as the object of their attack. Perhaps Britain is short of good stouts but that is not the case here and there are quite a few excellent examples, especially in the south, like the Casey Brothers from Killarney Brewing, Tipperary’s Whitefield, Dungarvan Brewery, and a number in Cork like Elbow Lane, Mi Dazza, Lynch’s, West Cork’s Stout by Stout West and, especially, Stag. Brewdog do not seem to have a handle on the challenge here. Their Cork pub didn't last very long.


In fairness, Black Heart is a 21st-century decent effort. Then again all the beers we drink now are of the same century.



*******************



Kildare Brewing Red Ale, 4% ABV, 440 ml can Bradleys


“The classic beer for the modern beer lover.” That’s the description of this red ale from Kildare Brewing, the first beer I've tasted from the Sallins micro-brewery.


Colour is a dark red with a soft off whiet head that sinks slowly. Aromas are malty and there’s a malty element too as it starts in the palate. Toffee and toast are also in the background along with fruity and flowery notes from the yeast and quite a streak of acidity too keeps it nicely balanced. A bit on the light side for a classic Irish Red but a good one, quite refreshing.



“Store cold, drink fresh and enjoy,” is what the brewery advises. I did and it is Highly Recommended.


Back in August, there were celebrations in Sallins when they won two National Bar Of The Year awards for the 'Best Visitors Attraction' and  'Best Craft Beer Bar' in Ireland.


“To say we are proud of our team is an understatement as these awards are testament to what we do day in and day out here at Kildare Brewing Co & Lock 13 Brewpub.


In particular we are honoured to have such a gentle giant leading our brewery tour experiences with @tadghcomerford_ & would recommend you book a brewery tour with us to see why it's an award-winning visitor attraction by visiting www.lock13.ie (every Sat & Sun).”


Good Food Ireland says the brewery’s Lock13 pub “serves up pub grub favourites made with local ingredients as well as a wonderful selection of craft beers made on-site by the Kildare Brewing Company”.


Must call there on my next visit to Kildare.

Monday, September 21, 2020

A Quart of Ale± #13. Moving on over to craft. Brewdog. Kinnegar. Galway Bay. Roadworks.

A Quart of Ale± #13
Moving on over to craft. 


India Pale Ale

Brewdog Punk IPA 5.6%, 330ml can Bradley’s of Cork

 “Punk IPA began with us brewing a beer we wanted to drink and ended up starting a revolution. It is our flagship - assertive, bitter and with an explosion of tropical fruit.” James Watt, Brewdog. The beer was inspired by the hoppy pale ales of the US. It was released in 2007 and in 2011 they “changed it up” by adding “the benefits of dry-hopping”.

From the can, it pours light gold, clear almost. White head gives a brief nod and sinks. A fairly intense whiff of tropical fruits. And tropical fruit galore spreads out on the palate. They use words like riot and anarchy yet this beer is amazingly balanced, well made, well bred, not quite the spiky clanging punk the PR implies. Quite a beer though. I could go along with the tag on the label: Post Modern classic. I’d love to try a pint of draught!

The IBU is 40 (35 in the book) and Extra Pale and Cara are the malts used. 
Hops are: Ahtanum, Amarillo, Cascade, Chinook, Nelson Sauvin, Simcoe.

Kinnegar Scraggy Bay IPA 5.3%, 440ml can Bradley’s of Cork

This IPA from Donegal has a gold colour and a friendly enough white head that doesn’t shrink the minute you look at it. It is hazy, unfiltered and naturally carbonated. 

Aromas, hoppy, are modest enough but nothing shy about it when it reaches the palate. A hoppy uppercut makes those taste buds stand up and take notice. But no need to worry, this is a balanced IPA, a friendly fecker from the friendly farmhouse brewers.

The Punk may have been first out of the traps, but this Donegal bunny is the cutest thing, knows her hops and Scraggy is a worthy competitor in this space.

They say: Lough Swilly’s natural and cultural history is beautifully captured in the Irish and English place-names that mark its coastal features. Beneath the Knockalla Hills lies Scraggy Bay, giving us a local name for a style of beer with a great maritime past.

Galway Bay Full Sail IPA 5.8%, 330ml can Bradley’s of Cork

Straw is the colour and the head is an off white. Aromas are a touch on the sour side. Hops are prominent on the palate but the malt has a decent say as well and the beer is balanced. Hops are added  through the process, including dry hopping, and I can agree that the beer is “as fresh as can be”. Another excellent beer from Galway Bay.

The hops used are of American origin, Colombus, El Dorado and Cascade (45 IBU). With multiple generous additions in the kettle and further dry hopped before it reaches you as fresh as it can be.
Food: The acidity and hop bitterness in this beer makes it great for standing up to most spicy dishes, such as Indian and Mexican dishes. The freshness of the beer makes for a great companion to grilled meats and barbecues.
They say: The simple malt bill gives an ABV of 5.8% which carries the flavour and really allows the hops to shine through. Serve at: 6-8 °C

Roadworks “Caution Hops Ahead” IPA 6.5%, 500ml bottle Aldi

This Aldi beer is produced by Pearse Lyons in Dundalk. It has a hazy light gold colour. Look closely and you’ll see plenty of bubbles rising up to the creamy white head. A mild mix of tropical fruit in the aromas. And mild enough too on the palate. Hoppy enough too at this stage. Easy drinking and refreshing with a satisfying dry finish.

A decent enough body that they partly credit to the Golden Baked Oats. Not too much detail on the label and no website found. It is a flavoursome US style IPA. It would be nice to see a bit more info and the way Aldi play with labels (not just the Lyons beers) is confusing to say the least.

Thursday, August 11, 2016

Holy Smoke! Holy Water and Holy Fruit too.

Holy Smoke!
Holy Water and Holy Fruit too.
Couldn’t make it to the Big Smoke for the Big Grill in Dublin this week where local chef John Relihan was taking a leading role. But there was considerable consolation when I visited John’s local, Holy Smoke in Cork's Mardyke complex. Lots of smoked meat, Holy Fruit too for dessert and Holy Water and unholy beer (Punk) as the evening unfolded.

They don't really go in for starters here. True, there are few things to nibble but I usually go straight to the beef. Or the pork. Or the chicken. You can get some massive tray-fuls here. The largest is the BBQ Blowout (€24.50). You’ll get Brisket Burnt Ends, Dry Rubbed Baby Back Ribs, Pit Smoked BBQ Chicken, and Pulled Pork. Mega stuff. Great for a family to share or a group visit. Not too many will manage one of these on his or her own!

You’ll notice different woods on the menu here and that's because each wood has different flavour compounds. As well as the big trays, you may try the individual meats Pork, Beef, and Chicken. And Burgers too.
The Big One!

Oh, by the way, John Relihan and Holy Smoke are committed to the “sustainable sourcing of produce”. “Where possible, all of our ingredients and supplies are carefully selected from handpicked Irish producers and suppliers. We do everything we can to ensure the highest level of food provenance from field to fork.” Good to hear. I like it like that!

And what will you drink with that? There is a varying list of craft beers available, some on tap, more in bottle, and they have a direct line to Porthouse! There is even a list of cocktails and then a good selection of spirits: whiskey, bourbon, gin, vodka, tequila. And some wines too.

Beers

Beer was our choice the other night. I got a pint of Brewdog’s Punk IPA on draught and CL enjoyed her bottle of Sierra Nevada Pale Ale (a beer that I rather liked myself, based on a limited, very limited, sample!).

Still, my Brewdog and some of that Holy Water went well with my twelve euro Burger, the Juicy Lucy, grilled over a sweet mixture of beech, chestnut and oak charcoal. I got a 6 ounce burger with a Gubbeen cheese core, grilled onions, mixed lettuce and beef tomato, served with naked slaw, and pickles.

Meet Lucy
 CL went for the Real Deal, also twelve euro. This is pulled pork smoked slow and low mixed with their own BBQ sauce, topped with just slaw and served with naked slaw and pickles. By the way, you get a choices of sides, so, from their Sideshow, we shared their Pit-smoked Beans and also the Skinny Fries.


Both burgers were delicious, great combinations of textures, tastes and flavours, and both sides were much appreciated as well. Really top notch burgers and the beers weren't bad either!

Desserts? Yes please. Always have time and room for their Holy Fruit. That too has been on the grill but we’d prefer it warm rather than this week’s cold version. Overall though great stuff and an enjoyable visit, made even more so by the lively, chatty and efficient service from start to finish.


Holy fruit
Holy Smoke 
Little Hanover Street, Cork
Phone: (021) 427 3000
Twitter @holysmokecork 

Wed-Thu:
5:00 pm - 10:30 pm
Fri:
5:00 pm - 11:30 pm
Sat:
4:00 pm - 11:30 pm
Sun:
4:00 pm - 10:00 pm

Hel-loo fella