On the Craft Trail with Dungarvan Brewing, Sullivan's and Wicklow Wolf

On the Craft Trail with Dungarvan Brewing, Sullivan's and Wicklow Wolf

Dungarvan Black Rock Irish Stout, 4.3% ABV

stout the way it was meant to be

Black Rock Stout, made by Dungarvan Brewing since 2010, is classically dry. That is the first impression from the opening sip. It is also full-flavoured and smooth, with background vanilla notes, and the finish is long and warming. The roasted malt is also prominent in the aromas of this black beer with a tanned head. 

Back in 2014, at a tour of the brewery,  the roasted malt went very well indeed with the dark chocolate that was handed around (during a tour of the brewery), chocolate that was quickly scoffed. The current label recommends pairing Blackrock with robust meat dishes or on its own.

There was quite an unusual match for it at the 2019 West Waterford Food Festival when Lily Ramirez and Anthony O’Toole paired it with Tequila, Chipotle and Dominican Chocolate Torte, with sweet créma, pomegranate, and Crystallised Hibiscus dust on the side. You don’t get that every day!

Dungarvan beers are bottle conditioned and may contain yeast sediment. Store upright and pour carefully, not that the sediment will do any harm!

And, finally, a tip from the brewers: ideally, this stout should be served in the traditional south-eastern way, which is ‘off the shelf’ — i.e. at room temperature.

(Check out our expanding list of our 2025 favourite beers here)

Wicklow Wolf Wildfire Hoppy Red Ale, 4.6% ABV, 440 ml can 

a modern hoppy red ale

Wicklow Wolf's Wildfire Hoppy Red Ale offers a modern twist on a classic style, and it truly delivers.

Poured into the glass, it showcases a traditional deep ruby-red colour that evokes thoughts of cosy evenings spent by the bar's warm fire. The off-white head, while not overly frothy, lingers nicely. The aroma presents a delightful blend of malt and chocolate, providing a familiar sense of comfort. 

On the palate, the initial sweetness from the malt transitions to a fruity burst brought to the party by the single hop Sorachi Ace. The finish is smooth and satisfying, balancing the sweetness with a lingering, gentle bitterness that makes you crave another sip. Wildfire expertly travels the line between tradition and innovation and does so beautifully.

Geek Bits

Hops - Sorachi Ace

Malts - Pale, Cara Ruby, Melano, Oats, Roasted, Crystal Rye

Sullivan’s Na Boii Pilsner 4.7% ABV, Supervalu

 

Introducing you to our latest creation….Na Boii, a Pilsner.

Originating in the Bohemian city of Plzň, the unique water and hops famously lent brightness and crispness to the style now known worldwide.

Na Boii may be Sullivan’s first lager in the modern era, yet over 150 years ago, Sullivan’s also brewed a lager as a complement to the range of ales at the time.

And where did that name come from? None of the modern “bhoys” but wouldn’t ya know it, there are ties to the ancient Celts. The name Bohemia traces its etymology to that of the Boii, a Celtic Tribe that flourished in the region ages ago.

 

Sullivan’s say: We hope you enjoy our homage to Bohemia and the refreshing lager beer style that is Pilsner. Well, I enjoyed it very much indeed. From its clean golden colour to its super refreshing finish. Very Highly Recommended

Maybe you don't know about it, but Sullivan’s have a tap room in Kilkenny. They combine internationally award-winning craft beer with a delicious menu available seven days a week, containing items such as handmade pizza made on-site, burgers, nachos, wings and more! Details, including location and bookings here.