Showing posts with label Brehon Brewhouse. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Brehon Brewhouse. Show all posts

Monday, November 23, 2020

A Quart of Ale± #22 Moving on over to craft. Golden/Blond.

A Quart of Ale± #22

Moving on over to craft.  Golden/Blond


Golden/Blond


Golden Ales “are the ultimate European session beer and a great opening to the pale ale pathway” according to Craft Beer for the People. Yet many of these are more than easy-drinking as you can see by tasting some of the selection below.


Mescan Westport Blond 5.50%, 330ml bottle O’Briens


This Mescan Westport Blond pours a lovely golden colour, quite an eye-catching white head too that tends to linger. One of the most refreshing beers around, its soft fruit and floral notes combining so well with the modest hops, all getting on very well with the malt in the background. All this harmony continues through the crisp and clean finish. They recommended serving at between four and six degrees - take heed!

 

“We only make beer that interests us,“ Mescan’s Cillian told me three years ago, “Beers that we like and find interesting. So no IPA, no Irish Red Ale. It is against our philosophy to follow a popular trend.”


That doesn't mean they don’t make popular beers! Their Blond was the first they brought out and has become a firm favourite with the public.


And one more thing about these beers, these mostly strong beers. The bottles carry a warning for lovers: “Our beer adds to the desire but may take away from the performance”. Caveat emptor. 


Blond beer, with its accessible character, combines well with most dishes. Mescan recommends steaks, burgers, chicken, sausages, also  noodles, pasta Bolognese, and Salade Niçoise. 




Heaney’s “Irish Blonde” 4.3%, 500ml bottle Bradley’s of Cork



Heaney’s Irish Blonde (not all blonds have an “e” by the way) pours a mid gold with plenty of bubbles rising and a white head that lingers a bit. Citrus in the aromas, floral notes too and a mild spice. A finger test on the head - just dip and taste - reveals a slight bitterness and that, along with a touch of malt, is evident on the palate where the experience is generally crisp, clean and dry, dry right to the finish.


They recommended serving at 6 degrees, a degree or two down on the usual, and pairings suggested are with seafood and also a “refreshing partner to a hot curry or rich burger”. Enjoy!


They say: “Our beers are for after the graft. Rural thirst quenchers” They fulfil that task very well indeed.


Brehon “Blonde” 4.3%, 500ml bottle Bradley’s of Cork



Refreshing, hoppy, citrus, malty, biscuity are the descriptors you’ll hear most in the chat about this beer. It has an inviting mid-gold colour and a white head that keeps it company for quite a while. Mild citrus elements in the aromas. Immediately refreshing, deeply so, just the job, superb mouthfeel as well all the way to the malty end. Another cracking beer from the Brehon.


They say: A refreshing, pale golden beer with a malty biscuity finish. Fabulous with white fish, shellfish, barbecue chicken or food from the Med, but equally as enjoyable on its own. Best served around 8 degrees. Our brewer has created a range of well balanced and flavoursome ales that reflect the changing face of the beer market in Ireland.


Refreshing, hoppy, citrus, malty, biscuity are the descriptors you’ll hear most in the chat about this beer. An impressive easy-drinking beer from a very impressive brewery.


Chimay “Gold/Blond” 4.8%, 33cl bottle Bradley’s of Cork



This Chimay, an authentic Trappist beer, has been made since 1966. The usual ingredients are used, plus the addition of sugar. Sugar? “All the sparkle of our beers comes from the transformation of sugar by our yeast, as has always been done traditionally. The refermentation in the bottle is a guarantee of quality.”


Colour is a light gold; it is clear, with plenty of that carbonation (thanks to the sugar).  Soft white head with staying power. Aromas hoppy and spicy, even notes of clove. When you drink, you immediately notice its refreshing qualities, deeply so, its terrific balance, its soft mouthfeel and the hoppy finish. They brew in the heart of Scourmont Abbey and the beer was for long reserved for the monastic community and its guests and staff. Now it’s all yours to try. Serve at 6-8 degrees.


If you are lucky enough to visit the brewery, you’ll find plenty of food to match the beer in their nearby restaurant. With travel restricted at present, you could do worse than try this recommended recipe: “ARTFUL SALAD WITH SCAMPI, TOMATO AND FENNEL”.  All the ingredients and method here. 


West Kerry “Béal Bán” 5%, 500ml bottle Bradley’s of Cork



Gold is the colour of this magical ale from West Kerry. Its big soft white head is slow to go. Creamy rather than crisp, yet light and refreshing with malt sweetly prominent early on, the hops making a show towards the lip-smacking finish. A distinctive beer indeed, very impressive.


Gold is the colour of this superb Kerry beer with its big slow-moving white head. It is a light and refreshing golden ale with that slight malty sweetness and a bitter finish, imparted by a generous helping of hops.


Paul and Adrienne (Ireland’s first female brewer) use water from their own well to brew the beers, both cask and bottled. The malt is predominantly Irish and the beers are brewed naturally, with no additives or preservatives. 


Beoir Chorca Dhuibhne is the Irish name for the brewery in the Dingle peninsula. It was established in 2008 to make traditional yet progressive beer. You’ll find them in their brew pub: Tigh Bhric (which also offers accommodation). 

Tuesday, October 6, 2020

A Quart of Ale± #15. Moving on over to craft with Stout

A Quart of Ale± #15

Moving on over to craft with Stout



Stout


Brehon Brewhouse Ulster Black “Oatmeal Stout” 5.0%, 500ml bottle Bradley’s of Cork


This small brewery is housed on the farm, just a short distance from the old homestead and set amongst the rolling drumlins of County Monaghan, just a few miles from the birthplace of Patrick Kavanagh, the inspiration for their India Pale Ale –  Stony Grey IPA.


Don’t know who inspired this Ulster Black but it is a star in this particular firmament. Black as a wet sod on a rainy day in the bog. The fleeting head has some of the colour of a well-dried sod. Aromas also from the dark side: coffee and dark chocolate. And that theme continues on the palate. But it is not exactly like other oatmeal stouts, not over-richly smooth. There is a balance, a harmony, that lifts this toasty stout well above the normal. All before a lip-smacking finish. Try it out for yourself! Best served around 8 to 10 degrees.


The brewers say it is “Ideal with game or strong red meat, smoked meats and hearty stews, desserts with chocolate, caramel or dark fruits.” I reckon they’ve tried them all! Me, I’d say it goes best with another one.


Our aim is to create distinct beers that are brewed with care and affection.  Our brewer has created a range of well balanced and flavoursome ales that reflect the changing face of the beer market in Ireland.” 


I’ve tried a few of their beers, including that Stoney Grey, in the last few weeks and Brehon is certainly on an impressive track.


Black Sheep “Milk Stout” 4.4%, 500ml bottle Bradley’s of Cork


First of all let’s hear it for the Black Sheep himself.


In 1992, Paul Theakston took a daring leap into the unknown. As a fifth generation brewer of his family company, he chose to leave T&R Theakstons following its sale to a national brewery. Instead, he chose to champion independent brewing in Yorkshire and built his own brewery from reclaimed equipment in the very same town, Masham.


Black is the colour, of course, with a coffee coloured head (also tastes of coffee). And coffee too in the aromas, not so much the dark chocolate that the producers mention.No doubt though you get the chocolate and coffee on the velvety palate. Should be terrific with that chocolate brownie! Pretty good balance compared to some milk stouts and this one certainly has that second bottle appeal.


They say: A velvet, creamy stout packing notes of chocolate, vanilla and coffee. Brewed with lactose and a robust malt blend, this milk stout offers a satisfying sweetness that cuts against a light bitterness, brought together through an irresistible velvet texture. Aroma:Rich dark chocolate with subtle notes of coffee and vanilla.Taste:Vanilla with notes of chocolate coffee.


Ingredients: Hops, Malted Barley, Lactose, Torrefied Wheat, Water, Yeast.


Founders “Breakfast Stout” 8.3%, 355ml bottle Bradley’s of Cork



The coffee coloured head is on the shy side, barely existing for a few seconds above the black body. By the way, the label boasts that the head lasts forever, yet each of the three times I tried it, the head vanished quicker than a fancy dan winger ahead of a “bite yer legs” Norman Hunter tackle. 


Then I smell the coffee and the chocolate and soon I taste it, wrapped in the smoothness of the flaked oats, and I realise this is turning out somewhat better than anticipated from looking at the spoon-sucking infant on the label. 


It is indeed a “creamy and decadent sipper, perfect for everything from contemplative mornings to laid-back evenings”. Not too sure about that stretch but certainly a good pairing with extra time in the European Super Cup final. Quite impressed now from being a bit sceptical in advance. 


Now, what I do find hard to believe is the IBU of 50 on the website, even more incredible is the 60 on the label. Is there a tendency towards tall tales in Michigan? This little stubby - I think that’s what they’d call this bottle in Australia - proves for sure that there is certainly a tendency towards good beer there.


Galway Bay “Buried at Sea” Milk Stout 4.5%, 330ml can Bradley’s of Cork



It’s black - no big surprise. The head, coffee coloured, has  close to minimum longevity. Coffee and caramel in the aromas, though the impact is restrained. It is certainly refreshing on the palate, rich and chocolatey and with a smooth finish. Not bad at all, good stout and that sweet finish.


They say: Decadent and complex while remaining wholly refreshing and drinkable. This 4.5% stout is brewed with Milk Sugars and Chocolate to give rich flavours and body that goes down smooth.


Food pairings: Buried at Sea is great alongside glazed meats, steaks, yet finds its perfect partners in rich chocolate desserts.


  • Speciality Malts: Oats, Munich, Chocolate, Crystal, Roast Barley
  • Hops (32 IBU): Magnum, Cascade

Tuesday, September 15, 2020

A Quart of Ale± #12. Moving on over to craft with IPAs by Thornbridge, White Hag, Heaney, and Brehon.

A Quart of Ale± #12
Moving on over to craft. 

India Pale Ale

Thornbridge “Jaipur” IPA 5.9%, 330ml can Bradley’s of Cork
Pale straw is the colour of this modern (2005) classic. Jaipur comes with over 100 worldwide awards. This iconic American style IPA has a complexity of flavour created by a six-dimensional hop experience.

Funnily enough, this is held up as an example of the English IPA in the Brewdog book Craft Beer for the People. Hard for us amateurs to determine the style of a beer if the likes of Thornbridge and Brew Dog can't agree. Anyhow, we'll have fun trying.

It wears this complexity lightly though and you’ll have no problem sipping your way through this beauty from the UK brewery. It has a fairly cloudy pale yellow colour and hoppy aromas (faint whiff of citrus, even fainter one of pine). Smooth on the palate, hoppy, citrus notes too, and a beautiful balance all the way to lip-smacking hoppy finish. Not too much more to say except that this is more or less the perfect IPA.

Match with Thai Curry, they say.

Hops: Chinook, Centennial, Ahtanum, Simcoe, Columbus, Cascade.
Malts: Low Colour Maris Otter.

The White Hag “Bran & Sceolan” 7.2%, 330ml can Bradley’s of Cork

A very pale amber, quite hazy. High levels of dry hopping in this one yield aromas of citrus. And that same citrus, now a juicy burst, makes for a delightful flavoursome palate, little if any sign of the high alcohol in the smooth mouthfeel. Terrific balance and an excellent drink overall. The IBU figure is 45 but, like the 7.2% abv, it is not a major factor for this drinker.
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They say: Bran and Sceolan were the two wolfhounds of warrior Fionn Mac Cumhaill, born to his aunt after she was magically transferred into an Irish Wolfhound by her husband’s ex lover. The story of these strong legends is as intense and complex as the flavours in this beer. An American-style IPA brewed with 100% Irish malt.



Heaney “Big Little IPA” 4.2%, 440ml can Bradley’s of Cork

Colour is yellow, a hazy yellow. The soft head is short-lived, not that it matters a while pile, unless you like the ice-cream look! Aromas are hoppy and fruity (exotic). Quite a hoppy fruity punch considering the abv, a big hitter for sure, and a bitter wash around the gums and lips with an edgy aftertaste. Wouldn’t recommend this if you were starting out on good quality ales but by all means go for it if you have been trying a few litres.

This is a farmhouse brewery and the water comes from the Heaney farm spring. Don’t think I’ve had a Heaney before. I can tell they’re in Bellaghy, Co. Derry. The Big Little is unfiltered, unpasteurised, and they recommend pairing it with spicy dishes. I don’t have an IBU for this but I’d imagine it is fairly high.

They say:  Big Little IPA. Only a little 4.2% but plenty of big hops to satisfy your hop desires. Soft bitterness, juicy citrus hops and a dry thirst quenching finish. Perfect for summer. Summer lol. It's summer right?

Brehon Brewhouse “Stony Grey” IPA 6.0%, 550ml bottle Bradley’s of Cork

This has a close to amber colour. Nice mix in the aromas, floral notes and hints from the malt. And much the same elements combine on the palate giving a terrific balance, smooth all the way to the dry finish. A very pleasant beer indeed. A superb beer actually and probably closer to a real English IPA than the others. 

I should be paying more attention here and have some more notes for you but I’m trying to watch Analyse This on a movie channel and they aren’t talking IPA, more like KIA*. In any event, it looks like I have another brewery to add to my short list as the recently tried Brehon’s Ulster Black Oatmeal Stout is another star.

They say: Great on its own but just perfect with spicy foods like Indian, Mexican, chicken wings or mild blue cheese, lemon curd cake or key lime pie. Serve around 8 degrees. Our small brewery is housed on the farm, just a short distance from the old homestead.We are set amongst the rolling drumlins of County Monaghan, just a few miles from the birthplace of Patrick Kavanagh, the inspiration for our India Pale Ale –  Stony Grey IPA.

* KIA Killed In Action.

Wednesday, July 1, 2020

How about Chimay and Scallops? . Red and Pale Ales too.

The Belgian-Irish Session #8
Chimay Péres Trappistes Bière Tripel, 8%, 33cl bottle

It’s a hazy golden beer from Belgium, one of the famous Trappist beers, a white head, like that of the elderly friar in the brewhouse, and that soft white crown is long lasting. Only 13 beers in the world, including 6 in Belgium, can carry this label of Authentic Trappist Beer.

This is a Tripel, with a high abv, but there’s no big heat here, just a marvellous balance, the combination of fresh hops and yeast, and the fruit of course. An amazing balance yes, but also a concentration of flavour that takes it to an orbit outside of the usual and into space,  a rather special beer space.

All’s in harmony, like a choir of monks. I like this sentence from their website: “Beer can of course be served with its yeast. It is quite edible if you wish. Otherwise leave the last centimetre in the bottom of the bottle.” I’d be the last to leave even a millimetre of this liquid gold.

They say: “Chimay is an authentic Trappist beer: Our recipe has remained unchanged since its creation (1966) by Father Théodore and we want to be transparent about the ingredients that make up our beers. We clearly indicate them on our labels: Water, barley malt, sugar, wheat starch, hops, yeast and bitter orange peel.
All the sparkle of our beers comes from the transformation of sugar by our yeast, as has always been done traditionally. The refermentation in the bottle is a guarantee of quality.”
As always with Belgium beers, food pairings are suggested. Top of the list here is CARPACCIO OF APPLES, SCALLOPS AND GRAND CHIMAY  (note: not fish ’n chips). Check out the video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8bD78zzJoE0&feature=youtu.be
Cotton Ball Velvet Red Ale, 5%, 500ml bottle

 A very dark red indeed with a coffee coloured head (which departs pretty quickly leaving just a lacy hint or two remaining on the top). Aromas are moderately intense, floral and fruity (citrus). Pretty much in the classic mode (though it is gluten free) but there’s a refreshing tangy hint and a touch of clean pine in there as well as citrus and more exotic fruit like mango. 

A well-made beer, nicely balanced between the various hops, the bitter and flavour, nothing extreme. Makes a pleasant smooth drink on its own and I expect it makes a good companion at the table. Might go down well with one of those tasty Wild Boar burgers from Ballinwillin Farm or perhaps a pizza in the Cotton Ball when it reopens.

Hops used are Herkules and First Gold with a dry hopping of the versatile Mosaic. They have (or at least did have) a nitro draught version in the bar. They brew quite a range of beers and the core ones are all on draught in the bar and indeed in lots of other bars. And there’s a handy growler service as well.

They say: “We are brewing our beers in the true spirit of our Great Grandfather Humphrey J Lynch, an American civil war veteran and cotton mill foreman. Three wives later, Humphrey returned to his native Cork in 1874, to set up his very own public called the Cotton Ball. The pub and the family are still here today and three generations later we are finally brewing our very own selection of craft beers in his honour.”  The brewery was founded in 2013.

Trouble Brewing Ambush Juicy Pale Ale, 5.5%, 440ml can

This is a hazy beer (little evidence of carbonation) with a light straw colour, and a soft white head that slowly sinks. Exotic fruits aromas, mango and pineapple in the mix. And then much the same fruits combining delightfully on the palate, this juicy pale ale makes you stop and take notice. 

You’ve been ambushed. So, sit back and relax with each silky juicy mouthful (make that each sip - you’ll want to let the magic linger), as you’ve got one of the best of class in your hand.

Malts used are Irish Pale, Oats (credited with imparting the smoothness), Carapils and Crystal while hops are Mosaic, El Dorado and Citra. 

They say: Trouble Brewing is a craft brewery based in Kill, Co. Kildare. Set up in 2009 by three close friends Paul, Thomas and Stephen. Trouble Brewing is one of a small number of Irish breweries producing quality craft beer in order to offer people an alternative to the large multinationals, that spend more money on advertising than on ingredients, and specialise in bland.



Brehon Brewhouse Seisiún Pale Ale, 3.5%, 500ml bottle

Made in Monaghan, this pale ale comes in a light amber robe, with a big white head that lasts a fair bit. Aromas are modest, slightly citrusy. Great depth of flavour on the palate though, exotic fruits, mango and passionfruit in the mix, and that flavour takes you right through to the finalé, after which you could be thinking of a second one. May be light in bitterness and alcohol, as they say, but no shortage of personality. Another well made, well balanced beer from Brehon.

They say: Seisiún from the Irish for a rousing songs, great drinks, good company and craic. .. delighted to bring you a light session ale with citrus flavours of passion fruit and mango. Light in bitterness and alcoholic content. A truly sessional beer. 

* Bought the Red Ale from the Cotton Ball itself; the other three bought in Bradley's of Cork.

Thursday, June 11, 2020

Ulster Black Sparkles in Irish-Belgian Beer Session #5

Ulster Black Sparkles in Irish-Belgian Beer Session
#5

Brehon Ulster Black Oatmeal Stout, 5.0%, 500ml bottle

This stout is black (you knew that!), black as a wet sod of turf on a rainy day in the bog, and the fleeting head is coffee coloured. Aromas also from the dark side: coffee and dark chocolate. And that theme continues on the palate. But it is not exactly like other oatmeal stouts, not over-richly smooth. There is a balance, a harmony that lifts this stout about the normal. All before a lip-smacking finish. Try it out for yourself! Best served around 8 to 10 degrees.

The brewers say it is “Ideal with game or strong red meat, smoked meats and hearty stews, desserts with chocolate, caramel or dark fruits.” I reckon they’ve tried them all! Me, I’d say it goes best with another one.

“Our small brewery is housed on the farm, just a short distance from the old homestead.We are set amongst the rolling drumlins of County Monaghan, just a few miles from the birthplace of Patrick Kavanagh, the inspiration for our India Pale Ale –  Stony Grey IPA.
Our aim is to create distinct beers that are brewed with care and affection.  Our brewer has created a range of well balanced and flavoursome ales that reflect the changing face of the beer market in Ireland.”



Chouffe Cherry Beer, 8%, 330ml bottle

Dark cherry is the (not unexpected) colour. Cherries all the way, really, even though there seems to be something sweetish in the aromas (Port is mentioned). And the aroma characters follow through on the palate, cherries again, and hints of sweet and sour. Nicely rounded and soft, it is rather nice and balanced, enough acidity there to do the trick. 

They say: “delights the gourmands among us” and recommend pairing with tomatoes, red peppers, red cabbage and fennel, oysters too, duck breast and stewed game dishes and in addition almond, raspberries, cherries and strawberries.

Very different indeed, an amazing beer, and I must try it with Bushy’s Strawberries next time! Or Skeaghanore Duck Breast. Not the kind of beer you’ll be drinking all night.

Always enjoy visiting the Chouffe website - they enjoy a laugh. Check it out yourself at https://chouffe.com/en/discover-our-brews/

Huyghe Delirium Argentum IPA, 7.0%, 330ml bottle


Amber’s the colour here with quite a large white head that does linger. Spice and citrus on the nose. Full of flavour, soft citrus the main element, complex though yet pleasantly fresh with a long hoppy finish. Combining softness and character, this Hopped Amber IPA is yet another superb beer this evening.

Brewing beer is a centuries-old tradition at the site of the Appelhoek in Melle. The earliest evidence of brewing comes from 1654. In 1904 Léon Huyghe started working at the local brewery.
They say: ”Delirium tremens" was brewed for the first time on December 26, 1988. The brewing team produced this blond beer (Alc. 8.5% Vol) at the insistence of Italy. The uniqueness of Delirium is in addition to its 3 different yeasts, its very original packaging that reminds you of Cologne pottery. The label portrays the different phases of the delirium in an original way. 

It was amazingly popular, the pink elephant was born and a series of Delirium began and this Argentum in its silver wrap, is one, a very good indeed.
Today, Alain De Laet, the fourth Huyghe generation, stirs the brew kettles. The little elephant that was born in 1989 has grown into an international icon.
Sierra Nevada “Hazy Little Thing” IPA 4.6%, 355ml can


Not to sure how this American got in but we enjoyed having it.

It has a cloudy, lemonade colour. Hoppy aromas. Hoppy on the palate too with citrus fruits. Easy drinking “session edition”, tropical and citrus fruits, pretty flawless really and a very welcome addition to the category. It’s the little sister to the normal Hazy Little Thing (6.7). This version is slightly lighter but not less intense.

They say: The low alcohol content and heavy-handed hopping in this unfiltered session IPA required some brewing finesse to achieve a pleasant balance. Never one to back down from a challenge, we were able to coax just the right amount of body from the malt to support the bold American hops. Hazy in appearance and golden in color, this easy-drinking ale is loaded with piney citrus notes, quenching your thirst without sacrificing flavor.