Thursday, August 27, 2020

Two Highly Recommended Wines From O'Briens

Two Highly Recommended Wines From O'Briens


This organic blend of Syrah and Mourvedre, from Emiliana in central Chile, has a ruby colour of medium intensity. Fresh cherry and plum aromas. Silky and soft on the palate, generous fruit, tannins are close to smooth and the finish is long. A friendly everyday wine that may be enjoyed with grilled meats and spicy food. Highly Recommended. 

O’Briens say: Made by our long-time Chilean partner, Emiliana, the organically farmed vines for this wine are planted on their own rootstocks in the Cachapoal Valley. In the cellar there is minimum intervention and the wine is aged for 12 months in French and American oak.

Emiliana were founded in 1986 and the Giulisasti family are the major shareholders. They began the move to organic and biodynamic in the late 90s and their “Gé” (named after the Greek word for earth) was Chile’s first certified biodynamic wine (ref: Wines of South America). They run what they term “interactive vineyards” with biodiversity the major factor. 

Many different kinds of plants (employees are encouraged to grow their own to feed their families), many different types of animals ( alpacas, horses, cows, birds, chickens, sandpipers, geese, etc. live together here and also contribute to the compost used on the land), lots of cover plants (that contribute nitrogen and nutrients to the soil while planting of flowers draw insects away from the vines). Read and see more about their organic and biodynamic practices here



This zesty Albarino, made from young vines, has a light straw colour with a little splash of green. White fruit (“doughnut” peach) feature in the moderately intense aromas. And more white fruit, citrus too, as the fresh wine moves over the palate, quite a fruity finish too. Highly Recommended.

Producers indicate it is ideal with all kinds of seafood, oriental and vegetarian cuisine. O’Briens themselves say the crisp acidity “is an ideal pairing to cut through oily fish or tapas dishes”. We tried it with the delicious smoked chicken crown from Skeaghanore and a garden salad and it worked perfectly well. Serving temperature: 8 – 10 °C.

O’Briens: made exclusively for O'Briens by the Paco y Lola winery in the Salnés Valley, the largest cooperative in Galicia's Rías Baixas region. It has the typical pear and citrus fruit profile of Galician Albariño with a saline mineral note on the long tropical fruit finish. 

Wednesday, August 26, 2020

A Quart of Ale± #9 Moving on over to craft. American Pale Ale.

A Quart of Ale± #9
Moving on over to craft.
American Pale Ale

Sierra Nevada Pale Ale 5% abv, 12 fl. oz. bottle, Bradleys of Cork
The Pale Ale that sparked the American craft beer revolution in 1980!

You may be familiar with the Brewdog book: “Craft Beer for the People”. They talk a fair bit about how people come to craft beer and have a feature on what they call “Gateway Beer”. And the one they highlight is this very Sierra Nevada Pale, the gateway par excellence, “not only a gateway but a true pioneer”. “First brewed in November 1980, it has inspired countless brewers… (not least ourselves). A stone-cold classic…”. Classic because it has the 3 ‘A’s: accessibility, approachability and availability.

It’s got a mid-amber colour. A big white head that soon sinks to a lacy cover. Aromas are quite intense, fruity, cut through with pine notes. And you find all that too in the bold flavours but it’s a bit more complex than that. Lots of flavour for sure but the whole-cone Cascade hops bring much more to the party, “introducing a generation to the glory of hops”. But the beer is so well balanced that it seems nobody was turned off and the craft scene got up and running accompanied by an anthem of citrus and pine notes. And, 40 years later, we all march on! If you haven’t tried it, then you should!

Galway Bay “Althea” Pale Ale 4.8%, 330ml can, Bradley’s of Cork


Galway Bay’s Althea, is named after the head brewer’s favourite Grateful Dead song. You’ll have no problem catching this widely available beer which is a straight take on a modern American Pale Ale. 

You get quite a large white head on pouring but not for long! The nose, with its bunch of tropical fruit aromas, is quite hoppy, very pleasantly so.  And so it continues on the palate, rich fruits from the hops and barely a peep from the malts. 

Galway Bay are one of the Irish breweries that suggest food pairings and here the tips are: chicken, lamb, and other light meats. 

Bitterness, by the way, is measured at 48 IBUs. And that number confirms the dominance of hops and the downplaying of the malt, fairly typical of the modern American Pale Ale style, but there are many variations as there are in all beer styles. Nothing stands still as innovative brewers keep your taste buds on full alert.

Malts: Golden Promise, Vienna, Melanoidin
Hops: Citra, Amarillo, Simcoe


The White Hag “Ninth Wave” New World Pale 5.4%, 330ml can, Bradley’s of Cork


This New World Pale Ale is named after the (mythical) Ninth Wave that formed a formidable barrier for anyone wishing to cross over to New York and Boston. 

Hard to believe that the IBU here is 15 IBU, a lager like reading, while that of the Althea is 48! Pity I started this quartet with the Galway Bay and finished it with this one. Must taste the two together sometime! Sierra Nevada, by the way, is 38 IBU.

Colour is a clouded amber, topped with a short-lived white head. Aromatics are mild also, apricot, mango and citrus, all from the hops, in there. 

Quite a greeting on the palate though, creamy feel and insistently fruity (citrus to the fore) from the American hops, but all is kept in check as this balanced effort makes its way towards a very satisfactory finalé indeed.  Lively, flavourful and very drinkable. Another for that second glass, or should that be can, designation!

They say: “We are a modern independent craft brewery from Sligo, on Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way. We brew innovative and groundbreaking beers, inspired by ancient and classic styles.” 
They brew a good lot of them! The able and masterly brewers here ensure a lot of them are good.

Western Herd “Siege” Pale Ale 5.1%, 440ml can, Bradley’s of Cork

Two of the same three hops feature in this County Clare beer and again they make the running. Cascade, Citra and Amarillo are in the mix, along with water from their own farm.

Colour is touching amber, again a big head, deflating rapidly. You notice the hops straight away in the aromas, fruity and bitter, a touch of citrus also. Flavours too feature the hops though perhaps the malt gets more of a look-in here compared to the earlier beers. Still there’s no hiding the bitterness from the Cascade hops though I get the impression (after one of each) that the Siege has more character.

Good name too isn’t it? They say: “Anywhere else, Siege is a battle cry but around here, it’s a call to dance. This modern version of the classic American pale ale has distinctive hoppy aromas of grapefruit and orange, perfectly balanced with the distinctive spiciness and bitterness of the Cascade hops.”

Western Herd suggest the following food pairings: Sharp cheese, Thai Curry and Steak (not all together, now!)


White Gypsy “Woodcock” American Pale Ale 5.8%, 500ml bottle, Bradley’s of Cork.


Colour here is amber. Head is off white and inclined to hang on for a bit more than the earlier beers. Hops and malt in the aromas, the hops not as dominant as in the Althea. Fruity and refreshing with the hops and malt in excellent balance, each contributing to the pleasant journey through to the dry finish. 

Hops used are Citra and Mosaic, both American, yet this beer has more character than many American ales, both east coast and west. That probably goes down to the malts and, indeed, the Marris Otter Malt is “world renowned for its deep rich flavour.”

The superb harmony of the Woodcock is a pleasure to enjoy and the ace Tipp beer would be difficult to top in any company.

The Gypsy invites you to follow your fortune to this independent Irish craft brewer in Tipperary and the ale is named after a local legend: “The Woodcock Carden”.

Did you know that White Gypsy make a food pairing range of beers in 75cl bottles. Well worth checking out, more info here.

Tuesday, August 25, 2020

Vegan Wings. Another excuse to use the addictive Dr Trouble Sauces.

Dr Trouble Sauces Are Addictive!
Complements your food and doesn't overpower.

A couple of weeks back I warned that the Dr Trouble Sauces are addictive. I know. And now the good doctor has come up with another prescription: Vegan Wings. This is the result, hot and tasty and easy to digest! No sour faces when you have these in your mouth. Details follow below or if you want to see a step by step sideshow check out their Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/p/CD3hEGwlqQv/

On a previous post, here, you can check on two other recipes, one for the "best beer nuts on the planet", the other for superb spicy chicken wings. And if you'd like to try the sauces yourself, go to  https://drtroublesauce.co.uk and be sure and use the discount code corkbilly when ordering

Want to transform your weekend snack or upgrade your meals with something really tasty? 🍋 🌶 🔥
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Try out these amazing spicy wings — but wait... they are not wings, they are vegan wings...
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Cauliflower, coated in Dr Trouble sauce with some seasoning to create these spicy, nutty, smokey and so irresistible that they won’t last long. They are super easy to make, all you need is a cauliflower, olive oil, paprika, thyme, salt and pepper to taste.


These in the pic just above were baked on the Weber to give it an extra oomph in the smoke department, but you can create these indoors too by baking in the oven at 180C for around 25 mins. We used the oven and the results (top picture) were superb and certainly didn't last long!
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Simply, chop mix and chill for 30 mins, spark up the BBQ and bake these amazing treats on an indirect heat for around 20 mins, they will smoke up, charr and transform into something that is so tasty, you will have a lot of trouble keeping everyone away from them!
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Perfect for anyone on the keto diet, totally organic, superbly vegan and with nothing added other than fresh ingredients, there is nothing you will reach for faster when these are on the table. If you happen to create them, please tag Dr Trouble and share your creation.
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Thanks to @chef_nyasha_mangwiro for another amazing recipe.


Bubble Brothers in the mix and much more on wine, beer and spirits in Cheers #18

Bubble Brothers in the mix and much more on wine, beer and spirits in Cheers #18



Bubble Brothers have a staycation mix for you!
We hope you're all well, and making the most of the occasional summer weather. Our website is continuing to work hard for us (thank you), but in case you haven't visited lately, we have a very attractive new offer for you—with something extra if you are able to 'click and collect'. Details here

Black's New "High" IPA

You are about to experience a brand new High PA, this unique new beer is brewed with the terpenes ( flavour and aroma oils ) extracted from the legendary cannabis strain Maui Wowie. A Strain known for its tropical favours and stress-relieving qualities hat will float you straight to the shores of Hawaii where this strain originally comes from.
A heavy mango and Pineapple base with notes of pine and pepper!
More details on the new brew and distillery progress here


O'Briens Wines Feature 12 Acres Brewing
In county County Laois one of Ireland’s finest breweries produces beer with a ‘ground to glass’ ethos. 12 Acres Brewing Co. make beer using barley grown on their family farm surrounding the brewery and with spring water drawn from deep below the land.
12 Acres is headed up by Paddy McDonald who after traveling the world with his then girlfriend, now wife Aisling, found himself back in Ireland and began to look at his employment options as Ireland emerged from recession. Thankfully, he brought something back from his travels, a love of craft beer. Read more here.

Kylie Minogue photographed at The Ritz London, August 2020, (c) Darenote Ltd.

Kylie Minogue Wines are thrilled to introduce 
the latest two wines in the Kylie Minogue Wines portfolio: the Signature Sauvignon Blanc and the Signature Merlot. Both the Sauvignon Blanc and the Merlot complete the long-awaited Kylie Minogue Wines’ Signature Range, which also includes the wildly popular and best-selling Signature Rosé, debuted in May by pop icon Kylie Minogue.

Fun and spontaneous like Kylie herself, the Signature Sauvignon Blanc originates from Gascony, in the south-west of France, and carries a fresh and lively nose of lime blossom and gooseberry, whilst zesty and crisp on the palate - described by Kylie as the perfect accompaniment with a fresh watermelon, feta and mint salad.

The Kylie Minogue Wines’ Signature Sauvignon Blanc and Merlot will be available exclusively in Ireland on www.WinesofTheWorld.ie and Carry Out Off Licences at an RRP of €12.99 from Monday 24th August.


Italy's Alto Adige: A Small Land Shows Its Greatness

Pampered by Mediterranean sun, shaped by the Alpine landscape, prepared by experienced winegrowers, and prized by wine connoisseurs throughout the world: wine from Alto Adige. Read the well-illustrated Wine-Searcher article here

Monday, August 24, 2020

Pleasant Times Again At The Four Liars. Arabic Coffee And Superb Baklava Finalé

Pleasant Times Again At The Four Liars
Arabic Coffee And Superb Baklava Finalé
Baklava

We are sitting here in Cork’s famous Shandon at the end of an early evening meal and we agree that the Baklava we are enjoying is the best. Indeed, one of us is newly converted having found previous versions just too sweet. But this is not packed very tightly packed - it has the pastry layers for sure - and also seems fresher. I wouldn’t very much about the Mid-eastern sweet but this is delightful and very highly recommended.
A terrific desert (€6.00) then and it goes down well with my Arabic coffee. This is influenced by cardamom and comes in an open pot that you pour yourself. I also enjoyed that. Just reading the menu, you may well think that €3.50 is a bit much but the pot will give you two fine cupfuls.
Kibbeh
The restaurant is the Four Liars and it has recently been taken over by two Syrians, Abdul Khallouf and Ahmed Saqqa. They’ve been told the story of the four liars (the clocks on the four faces of Shandon tower that disagree), liked it and decided to keep the name.
Falafels
Their plan is to treat you to Syrian dishes. So the menu features food from their country which is of course, like all cuisines, influenced by the food of neighbouring countries. And many of you will be familiar with the likes of mezze, fattoush, hummus and the aforementioned Baklava.
No doubt, some visitors will not be that keen on dishes on the menu with strange sounding names (some un-translatable) but they’ll be catered for with more familiar fare such as Pizzas, Burgers, wings, wraps and so on.
But I’m anxious to try something from Syria and am puzzled when my order for Syrian Kibbeh gets a big thumbs up from Abdul. It is only later I find out that this is the Syrian national dish, a dish of many versions.
It is also a dish of many elements, an enormous plateful. The Kibbeh consists of lamb meatballs (tasty, aromatic), with tabbouleh, hummus, baba ghanouj, and spinach samosa (very tasty and crunchy). More like a starter and main course in one! 

CL likes her Falafel and so ordered Falafel Platter: five chickpea croquettes with herb and tahini sauce, salad, hummus and their own pitta bread. The “crust” of the falafels was a touch on the hard side but overall it was a very flavoursome dish indeed, the salad veg chopped a little rougher than we’d expect, hummus and bread excellent. And great value for a tenner.

Best of luck to the two entrepreneurs who have just started here - they also do takeaway by the way. It is a work in progress, some tidying up to be done around the premises and perhaps the service needs a little more alertness but overall interesting food and good value once again in the Four Liars, a place where we were regulars about 25 years ago! Still some souvenirs around the place from those days but also some new items such as the shisha pipes.

O’Connell Square (alongside the Butter Museum)
Dominick Street
Cork
Tel: 083 080 8283 

Sunday, August 23, 2020

Two Lovely Whites from the southern half of France

Two Lovely Whites from
 the southern half of France

Terroir Feely “Luminosité” 2016, 13.5%, €19.00 Mary Pawle

The fruit for Luminosité is grown and the wine’s bottled by Sean and Caro Feely in Saussignac in Bergerac (next door to Bordeaux). They pack a fair bit of info onto the label: Vin de France sec, Sauvignon blanc 50%, Semillon 50%, zesty fruit, luminosity of nature, organic and biodynamic, hand-harvested, indigenous yeast, unfined, vegan friendly.

Light straw colour. Aromas of quince and gooseberry. Zesty flavours on the palate, quite intense, with a pleasant astringency, lovely mouthfeel too (has this been on its lees for a spell?), and a persistent finish. What’s not to like?

This Irish-South African couple “are passionate about the environment” and I think you can taste the difference here, without any funky stuff in either aroma or flavour. Highly Recommended. Find out more about the Feelys here - they have quite a lot to offer if you are visiting the area. 

Jacques Frelin “La Marouette” Chardonnay Pays D’Oc (IGP) 2018, 13%, €13.30 Mary Pawle


Colour of this organic Chardonnay from the South of France is a light straw. Pleasant floral aromas of modest intensity. This is a fresh one, peach and citrus flavours with a lively acidity to help at the table. Ideal as an aperitif or with a few grilled sardines. The label also indicates a match with shellfish and sole meuniere. Serve at 8-10 degrees for best results. 


For over thirty years now, Jacques Frelin has been at the forefront of the organic wine movement in France. While organic is often associated with small, this is not the case with Frelin who has vineyards all over the country including the Languedoc where this wine comes from, “very popular with our customers” says importer Mary Pawle and I can see why. Highly Recommended. Well priced too.

Wayward Spirits Announce Release of Batch 2 of ‘The Liberator Malt Whiskey in Tawny Port Finish’

Batch 2 of ‘The Liberator Malt Whiskey in Tawny Port Finish’ is now released.


‘The Liberator Small Batch: Double Port Finish’ Blend to be released this Autumn.
The ‘Lakeview Estate Single Estate Pot Still’ celebrates it’s 18 month birthday.

Wayward Irish Spirits is pleased to release Batch 2 of their Irish Malt Whiskey in Tawny Port Finish from The Liberator range of Bonded Whiskeys.  Matured initially in first fill American ex-Bourbon casks and then finished for 9-12 months in fresh ex Tawny Port casks, the Tawny Port finish contributes intensity, richness and complexity to the whiskey: figs, apple and pear on the nose, a rich taste of cocoa, clove and blackcurrant, and a warming long finish. 

Founder Maurice O’Connell says: “Despite the challenges of Covid-19, we’re thrilled with the response to the Inaugural Release earlier this year which is now almost sold out and are now releasing Batch 2. This is a limited release of 1,000 numbered bottles. Batch 2 has everything the Inaugural Release had but those extra 5 months have added to the roundness and balance. It is a vatting of single malts sourced from different distilleries: 22% is 2006 Cooley Single Malt, the balance is mostly 5 years with some 4 year Great Northern Distillery Single Malt. Bottled at 46% ABV, gently cut over 5-6 weeks, natural colour and not chill filtered, the RRP is €65”.  

The Liberator Small Batch: Double Port Finish will be released this Autumn. Maurice explains “We have been working during the lockdown on a blended Whiskey. Our first release has an unusually high malt content (42%), has been finished in Tawny and Ruby port casks and is a light and approachable but characterful Whiskey with a likely RRP of €49. There will also be a small Cask Strength release in half bottles in response to enthusiastic demand from the Whiskey community”. 

He adds “With pubs and bars closed, it’s been a challenge for people to taste and get to know our Whiskeys so we’ll be releasing miniature versions and have also started a partnering program with hotels”.

The Liberator Irish Whiskey celebrates the legacy of Daniel O’Connell, born in Kerry in 1775. The original campaigner for civil rights, heedless of race, gender or creed and often hailed as the greatest ever Irishman. Maurice adds “My forebear Daniel O’Connell’s independent spirit and sometimes wayward approach inspires how we craft whiskey at our family’s historic Lakeview Estate on the shores of Lough Leane in Killarney.”  

Alongside The Liberator (bonded Whiskey), the Lakeview Estate grows its own barley and laid down its first casks in early 2019. Maurice explains “We are proud to be celebrating the 18 month birthday of our Single Estate Pot Still spirit and are working towards grain-to-glass distilling here in 2024”. 

Just 1,000 numbered bottles of the Batch 2 of The Liberator Irish Whiskey Malt in Tawny Port Finish are available from 21st August from leading suppliers including The Celtic Whiskey Shop and James Fox in Dublin, Fine Wines in Limerick, Carryout in Killarney and online through www.IrishMalts.com. Suggested retail price €65. Barry & Fitzwilliam have The Liberator for wider release in Ireland. 

Press release

Saturday, August 22, 2020

Discover Enniscrone launches new campaign. Seaside town is a haven for holidaymakers seeking space

media release
Discover Enniscrone launches new campaign
Seaside town is a haven for holidaymakers seeking space
“Discover Enniscrone and make it yours” is the title of the dynamic new marketing campaign launched by international soccer, Gaelic football and Aussie Rules star Sarah Rowe, in the Ocean Sands Hotel on Friday 21 August 2020 for the Discover Enniscrone marketing group. Including a series of videos, photography shoots, a brochure and updated website, the campaign highlights this idyllic Wild Atlantic Way holiday destination. The nostalgic holiday memories of many extended families can become reality for many more today as COVID19 constrains travel abroad. Enniscrone is most definitely open for business and well equipped for the visitor’s every need. 
Speaking at the launch, Sarah Rowe revealed her strong attachment to the seaside town, saying, “Enniscrone is a paradise for me. It’s a place where people can immediately feel relaxed and leave their cares behind, surrounded by its natural beauty and the glorious beach. I have so many fond memories of holidays and days out there. It will always be a special place to me. I wish Discover Enniscrone every success in their marketing campaign and attracting new people to experience this for themselves.”
With its flagship sandy beach stretching for 5km, space is not an issue in the scenic seaside Sligo town. Add in a championship golf links, historic seaweed baths, surfing, supping, horse riding on the beach, cycling and all sorts of children’s activities, and it’s easy to see why Enniscrone is so beloved of family holiday groups. There really is just so much to do for every age and stage from toddlers right up to grannies and grandads. The range of accommodation is comprehensive, suiting every pocket with hotels, guesthouses, b&bs and campsite. An excellent food offering including award-winning restaurants like Gilroys and The Pilot Bar, and as befits a seaside town, the world’s best gelato from Gelati, completes the package. 
The Discover Enniscrone committee chairperson Mary Clarke of the Diamond Coast Hotel commented, “We are very proud of our village here in Enniscrone and to have witnessed the growth of the village and its amenities over the years has been wonderful.  Along with the natural resources here in the village we have also become a hub for water-based activities, supping, surfing, kite surfing, kayaking, etc. and the addition of the costal walk has truly enhanced Enniscrone and provides activities for all age groups”.
Sarah Rowe (centre) with (l-r): Eva Costello (Fáilte Ireland), Mary Clark (Discover Enniscrone), Cllr. Dara Mulvey and Mikee Hamilton (Harbour SUP & Sail)Photo Credit: Steve Rogers
Traditionally Enniscrone has attracted holidaymakers from Northern Ireland as well as all across the rest of Ireland. Many are loyal to Enniscrone, recalling childhood and teenage memories of the seaside, and bringing their own families back to enjoy the simple things that make holidays perfect. A pristine, sandy beach safe for bathing and perfect for sandcastles never goes out of fashion with children of any age. Clear water and consistent waves make it a paradise for watersports and adventure enthusiasts. Enniscrone is a place to reconnect with family and friends – and also to connect with yourself. It’s an idyllic holiday choice for young and old, friends, families or groups. 
The first of Discover Enniscrone’s videos has just gone live on www.discoverenniscrone.com. It highlights three generations of a family, spoilt for choice in Enniscrone as they choose activities to fill their day. Surfing, sandcastles, beach walks, golf (including crazy golf) and Kilcullen’s Edwardian seaweed baths all feature along with some delicious food and drink. There’s no exaggeration needed – Enniscrone really is that perfect for inter-generational holidaymakers. Everything is close at hand in Enniscrone too; just park up the car and leave all your cares behind. 
Enniscrone's new marketing campaign is funded by the Department of Community and Rural Development and the Islands and Sligo County Council
#DiscoverEnniscrone

Amuse Bouche

He insisted that we mark the occasion of our first week on the job by indulging in the White House’s signature desert (sic), the Chocolate Freedom, a brownie cake that oozed hot fudge and was topped with vanilla ice cream and chocolate syrup. That easy year - campaigning, resigning, marrying, getting pregnant, and relocating to DC - had been a whirlwind, and we were finally pausing to celebrate. We clinked our dessert spoons as if they were champagne glasses and luxuriated in the sudden calm.

from The Education of an Idealist by Samantha Power (2019). Very Highly Recommended.