On the craft trail with Dew Drop
and Dungarvan Brewing
Supporting local brewers every week
Dew Drop No Fury Helles Lager, 4.2% ABV, 440 ml can Bradleys
“Our homage to classic Munich Helles style”
A terrific golden colour is on this one, with a soft white head and a myriad of micro-bubbles crowding upwards through the clear body. Malt, a sweet note, features in the aromatics. On the palate, the lively lager is crisp and loaded with flavour, and that continues through to a deeply refreshing finish. Very Highly Recommended
They say: We have used Slovenian hop “Aurora” in our lager instead of the traditional German hops, imparting a unique flavour profile to our beer. It comes in at 4.2% ABV. Our Helles style Lager is made the traditional way and is lagered for 3 weeks, which means storing the beer in cold temperatures to condition and clear it.
Ronan Kinsella and Paul Lenehan took over the Dew Drop Inn in Kill in 2007. They also own and operate Hartes of Kildare in Kildare Town, The Ballymore Inn in Ballymore Eustace, and Firecastle Artisan Grocers & Café in Kildare Town.
The brewery was established later, and by 2018, operations had begun, albeit cautiously. Since September 2019, they have been brewing beer for the local community. "Our sole aim is to produce premium quality local beer at affordable prices for the customers of our gastropubs and the patrons of Firecastle. We are always striving for improvement, and under the direction of Head Brewer Dean Maguire, we will continue to produce our core products while also introducing more seasonal and interesting beers for everyone to enjoy."
Dungarvan Copper Coast Irish Red Ale, 4.3% ABV
“Smooth fruity notes”
I’ve been drinking this rather splendid red ale on and off since 2012. It can be relied on as a versatile food beer, and back in those days, I enjoyed it in restaurants as diverse as Cornstore (Cork), Wild Honey (Clare) and Farmgate (Midleton). The brewery themselves say it is perfect for most meat and game dishes (grilled or caramelised). I remember enjoying it with a non-meat dish, a Warm Goat's Cheese with poached fig, red pepper and tomato compote, and the result was perfectly delectable.
It comes in a warm red/amber colour and a slightly off-white foamy crown, plus bubbles of galore rising on the top. Its smooth, fruity notes are highlighted and rightly so. Credit here goes to the Crystal Malt, which endows it with a “delightful caramel character” and a toasty note.
Thanks to the Northern Brewers hops, initially from the north of England and known for its bittering character, and to the other hop, the excellent all-rounder Challenger (a “relation of the Northern), we have a well-balanced ale that is both flavourful and refreshing. And Very Highly Recommended.
Serving notes
The suggested serving temperature is ‘cellar temperature’ of about 8-14°C, but this comes down to personal choice – if you prefer it cooler or warmer, then go for it!
As with all the Dungarvan beers, the bottles will contain yeast sediment, which is a by-product of the bottle conditioning process. This sediment is completely harmless and acceptable to drink, but if you prefer a clearer beer, leave the last drop in the bottle.