A Quart of Ale± #108. On the craft journey with Whitefield, Whiplash, Porterhouse, O Brother

 A Quart of Ale± #108

On the craft journey with Whitefield, Whiplash, Porterhouse, O Brother

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Whiplash “Prisoner of Love” Cascade Pale 5.2%, 440ml can Bradleys

Colour is a hazy mid-orange colour with a soft slow-sinking wheat head. Nose is fruity (citrus), floral notes too and a background touch of pine. It is certainly very drinkable, more grapefruit on the fruity palate but little enough bitterness evident until the lip-smacking finalé. Indeed, there is a slight sweetness in the juicy mouth.

This beer goes down well with Whiplash, and their customers: “A relatively new beer in the history of Whiplash, but one that's earned its spot as a team favourite. Prisoner of Love is an all Cascade Pale Ale that we just have to slip into the schedule every year now. These hops are bright & lemony with complimentary floral and herbal notes and that translates beautifully in this beer.”

Geek Bits

Malts: Maris Otter, Wheat Malt, Oat Malt, Caramel

Hops: Cascade

Whitefield “Bradley’s Row” Dortmunder Style German Lager 5.3%, 500ml bottle Bradleys

Lots of crafty beer out there for the hop addicts but this one is for the malt heads.

The Dortmunder style is a pale lager but this has a bit more colour, closer to a dull amber. The bubbled head is soft and sticks around a bit. As well as a “malty finish” it also has a malty start which comes through on the aromas. And indeed it is malt led all through. 

The Whitefield label tells us their Dortmunder style German lager has a malty finish with a complex hoppiness. “Brewed with 100% German Brake Pilsner Malt, a variety of barley grown throughout the 80s in Germany and became synonymous with the German style lagers we all grew to love. Brewed with water from our own well, master barley, hops and yeast.”

The Beer Bible says the Dortmunder is “not a style  of enormous character” and that “the style’s future looks uncertain”. 

There are, for some reason, a few Welsh words on the label and Google translates as “there is a black sheep in every flock”. 

As you know the Templemore brewery was previously called White Gypsy. The rebranding also led to changes in their beer names, now being called after local landmarks. But their website doesn’t always keep up with their new beers so I can’t tell you what the ‘Bradley’s Row” refers to. I think though you can take it it refers to a local landmark rather than to the famous Bradley’s off licence, a beer landmark in Cork’s North Main Street.

Don’t think I’d be going out of my way to find a Dortmunder style. But I did appreciate this one and, so if you are a malt person rather than a hop person, then you will certainly like it.

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Porterhouse Rambler Juicy Pale Ale 4.6%, 440ml can Ballymaloe May Fair

The Rambler has a light orange colour (and haze) in the glass, with a white head. “One for the juice heads,” say Porterhouse, based on the three hops used at whirlpool and hop. Well, it is juicy, moderately hoppy also, with a good dry finish.

The three hops added to the basic Magnum are: El Dorado (Apricot, tropical, citrus), Enigma (Grape, Berry, Melon), Eukanot (Mandarin, Melon, Mango). Their individual characteristics are in the brackets so you can see how they contribute to the result with a mild enough citrus and mango to the fore. Crisp and refreshing to the finish.

Dextrin, Ale, Wheat, Oats, and Crystal keep the malt end up, noticeable in the fuller body and a touch of caramel. Quite a delicious and easy drinking fruity ale to be fair, well made, and worth a try for sure.

They say: Rambler pours a light orange colour with a tight white head. We have used 3 hop additions of El Dorado, Enigma, Eukanot at whirlpool and dry hop. This combo contributes flavour & aromas of orange peel, watermelon, citrus and white grape for drinkability of smooth fresh juice with low carbonation.

Geek Bits

Malts: Ale, Wheat, Oats, Dextrin, Crystal

Hops: Magnum, El-Dorado, Eukanot, Enigma

ABV: 4.6% IBUs: 10

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O Brother Singularity IPA 6.3%, 440ml can Bradleys

This IPA by the brothers has a hazy light orange colour with a big soft white head that sinks but slowly. There’s a kind of sweet tangerine peeping through in the mostly tropical aromas including a hint of coconut. 

Quite a complex melange on the palate (a smooth one - they have oats in the ingredients), tropical for sure including mango (strongest), pineapple and a touch of coconut, not forgetting the citrus. They’ve struck quite an impressive balance here and the beer is all the better for it, nothing off the scale at all. Sure to find quite a few admirers, I’d say, including myself!

Hard to find much on the web about this one other than that the hops are Mosaic and Sabro.

But, while searching, I found out on the O Brother site, that craft beer didn’t reach America until the 1970s when air travel became cheaper. “As Americans sampled the hoppy delights of countries like Belgium and Germany many were hooked by their superior quality and began brewing similar beers illegally back in the U.S. As the craze didn’t appear to be slowing down, home brewing in the United States was legalised in 1979. A great decision we think!”

Very interesting indeed, but I would like to see a little bit more, not necessarily every little detail, about their individual beers.

Clonakilty Distillery’s Port Cask whiskey and tuath glasses hamper. Father's Day gift sorted!

Clonakilty Distillery’s Port Cask whiskey

 and tuath glasses hamper.

Father's Day gift sorted!

If your dad is a whiskey fan – this hamper from Ireland’s maritime distillery – Clonakilty Distillery – is a great shout and comes in at a very reasonable €69.50 in addition to making dad’s day

 

The hamper features a bottle of their highly commended Port Cask Whiskey, which is a blend of a 10-year-old triple distilled malt and an 8 year old grain. It’s gently cut and finished in port casks imported from the Douro Valley in a process that adds a sweetness with spicy notes and creates a beautiful rich colour. In addition to the bottle, you’ll also get two of their branded Tuath glasses, perfect for the two of you to sit down and have a toast.

More on the offer here.

 

They’ve also got a great selection of accessories like hipflasks and coasters.

 

But if it’s something a little bit different you’re seeking – you can also invest in a cask for him through their Cask Keeper’s Club, a unique opportunity for the public to invest in their own cask of Clonakilty Distillery’s premium Single Pot Still new make spirit, which was legally declared Irish whiskey this year and will be released on sale to the public in three years after maturing in their ocean warehouse.

 

Other perks to the Cask Keeper’s Club include:

 

• Permanent recognition at the distillery
• First option to purchase exclusive selected releases
• Participation at our annual club day to include dinner and special whiskey tastings
• Buy back option after 10 years
• 10% discount on all products at our distillery shop

 

More info - Cask Keepers' Club - Clonakilty Distillery

media release

  

Asian Style Food Comes To Cork's Electric. And Fits Right In On The City's South Bank

Asian Style Food Comes To Cork's Electric

 And Fits Right In On The City's South Bank

Hake Soba

Don’t let strange words get in the way of an excellent meal! That’s more or less our message after our first tasting of Electric’s Asian style food in midweek.

First strange word up was in CL’s starter: Deep Fried Gyoza (9.00), a dipping sauce with a choice of Chicken, Duck, or Vegetable. The Gyoza are Japanese pan-fried dumplings. Her choice was chicken and they went down a treat with the sauce.

Gyoza

Cabáiste

No real verbal obstacles with my opening dish: Grilled Napa Cabbage wedge (10.00)  with Apple, chili and tamarind dressing and a scattering of walnuts. Cabbage its highly regarded in Eastern cuisines and certainly went up in my estimation with this treat. Napa is not from the famous wine valley, though you may well get it there, but originally from China. It has a longish cone type head rather than the familiar globe.

 I had been “prepared” for this thanks to a super Pork collar, miso, grilled winter cabbage and peanut rayu at Cork’s Glass Curtain a couple of years back. And, more recently at the same venue, a BBQ'd pointed Hispi cabbage, Pork belly, Whey caramel, Black garlic combination, also delicious.

Soon our very friendly Electric servers were bringing our main courses. CL had bravely picked the Okonomiyaki (16.00), Japanese pancake, sake, lime, mayo, spiced bbq sauce & deep fried noodles. Aside from the forbidding title word, the Insta friendly dish was very well received. Okonomiyaki, the pancake, is available all over Japan and can be served with a variety of toppings. CL’s came with mixed veg, all lovely and crisp, and was crowned with a pile of deep fried prawn flavoured noodles. Eye-catching and palate pleasing!

Okonomiyaki

Just one 4-letter word, a common enough one, in my mains and that was soba, a thin Japanese noodle made from buckwheat. The full description was Hake Soba (24.00) Thai basil, chilli, and lemongrass. The Hake, with its crispy skin, was top of the tidy pile and the noodles with little bits of crunchy veg and the sauce of course were a delight to dispatch. Rather addictive actually.

Something sweet from the East? Of course. We shared the two desserts (each at €7.50). Ginger and lemongrass is a well-used combination and so one pick was their Lemongrass and Ginger Pudding with orange and cashew crumb and pomegranate. You could compare it to a panna cotta but, with the nuts, the orange and pomegranate, this winner was more flavourful.

Blondie

The other was the Rich Chai Blondie with toffee, Kaffir lime Crème Anglaise. In India, chai is tea made with added spices and Chai Blondies are like brownies without the chocolate. Electric’s square, with the toffee and custard, was a superb dessert.

Electric’s move to Asian came about when they had time on their hands during the Covid closures and were thinking about the future. Asian experts from the UK were brought in to train the local kitchen staff. I, for one, was a bit wary when I heard about the transformation. I am now convinced. Very Highly Recommended.

Electric are now well known for their cocktails. Indeed, the former fish bar upstairs is now known as Ohm and had just been launched as their cocktail bar. Downstairs the bar is busy every evening and the food here also has that Asian touch. For updates on menus and opening times, please check their Facebook page and their Instagram at electriccork.

Marina Market food vouchers to be won at Dad Rocks event!

Dad Rocks Family Fun Day celebrating Dads and Father Figures Everywhere is heading to the Marina Market this Father’s Day June 19^th

 

The inaugural Dad Rocks Family Fun Day comes to the Marina Market this Father’s Day, Sunday 19^th June, presented by Eventi Management and funded by the Local Live Performance Programming Scheme Phase III and supported by Cork City Council’s Sports and Sustainability Section. The Dad Rocks Family Fun Day is a day celebrating all things  father figures on Father’s Day – rock and funk sounds, dad jokes, air guitars and more to beat the band! Here's to the Dads!

 

Director of Eventi Management, Sinéad Dunphy said, “Dad Rocks is a true celebration of dads and father figures everywhere and promises entertainment and fun for all the family.  We invite everyone to bring their dads, moms, grandads, grandmas, brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles and any other father figure in their life to come and enjoy their dedicated day with music, food and fun. We have a jam packed schedule for the day so there really is something for every kind of dad!”

 

The day of dad fun includes a raucous line-up of DJ Ian Richards, King K, One Horse Pony, Quangodelic, Harvey K and the Wrecking Crew, playing all your favourite classics on our outdoor music stage. The day will be filled with fun antics including Best Dad Jokes Competition hosted by the hilariously pompous dad of the year (!!) Reggie from the Blackrock Road, an Air Guitar Competition and a DIY Dad Obstacle Course that will put dad skills to the ultimate test in a race against the clock!

 

Reggie, from the Blackrock Road and a dad himself, noted, “I'm no stranger to Dad humour. My own father pretended that we were moving to Ballinlough once, he thought it was hilarious. The prize will go to whoever can give me a belly laugh and 200 quid in used fivers. See you in Marina Market!”

 

You can prep your best joke on air with REDFM’s Philip Burke in the run up to the big day on June 19^th. 

 

With many more surprises in store, grab all the dads in your life for fatherly frolics through the Marina Market this Father’s Day! Dad Rocks runs from 1pm – 8pm and entry is completely free!

1  Dad Rocks is an original event produced by Eventi Management and funded by the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport, and Media by way of the Local Live Performance Scheme Phase III. 

 

2  REDFM are official media partners with a dad joke competition on air with the Philip Burke show every day from the week of the 13^th, and prizes in the form of Marina Market food vouchers will be given.

 

3  Marina Market are the official venue partners of the event. 

media release

Taste of the Week. CorkBilly Cherry Brandy 2019

Taste of the Week. 

        CorkBilly Cherry Brandy 2019

This limited edition Cherry Brandy, of which I'm very fond, started life in August 2019 and three years later was named (with extreme bias) as Taste of the Week. 

The brandy was your basic Hennessy. The cherries were pretty basic too, from a supermarket as far as I can recall. They were nowhere near as good as those from the Apple Farm (I was too late for those) but they did the job well.

I was following the recipe in Booze by John Wright, No. 12 in the excellent River Cottage series of Handbooks. They advised not leaving the cherries there for too long  as "the almond flavour is extracted from the stone" and your cherry brandy "could taste inescapably like..disgusting, pink medicine.."

So forewarned, I separated the cherries and bottled the liquid just after the minimum two months on October 18th 2019. Then the Cherry Brandy was put away and patience reigned. I could have started drinking it after 12 months but it was just about two weeks back, (nearer to three years), that I started.

The result was excellent. Well worth a try. By the way that River Cottage Booze book has tons of recipes for similar infusions such as Blackberry Whiskey (mine is still unopened) and Raspberry Vodka (very easy to make and easier to drink!). Also some wine recipes including Strawberry and Elderberry. Some ales too!

FAMILY FUN AT WEST WATERFORD FESTIVAL OF FOOD

FAMILY FUN AT WEST WATERFORD FESTIVAL OF FOOD

 

On the farm: Donagh Fitzgerald (4) and his brother Aodhán (5)

West Waterford Festival of Food will offer a full menu of free events for families from 10-12 June, perfect for mini gourmets and aspiring chefs. Over 35,000 visitors are expected to attend Ireland’s largest food festival, with children’s events to include workshops, talks, demos and tasting sessions to develop an interest in growing, rearing and cooking food from a young age. The extensive children’s events across the weekend can be viewed on www.westwaterfordfestivaloffood.com.

 

West Waterford Festival of Food CEO Maeve Quill said: “After a two-year break from our physical festival, we’re delighted to welcome visitors back. Through the 13^th annual West Waterford Festival of Food we want to reach as many people as possible, both locally and beyond. We especially hope to inspire the next generation of food lovers with an exciting variety of free family-friendly cookery demos and activities that will make aspiring young foodies appreciate and love food even more.” 

 

Organisers are encouraging families to pop into the free Glanbia Family Fun Zone from 11am-3pm on Saturday (11 June) and Sunday (12 June) where youngsters can get up close and personal to animals at the mobile farm, meet the birds of prey, enjoy a picnic and games and plant their own seedlings. The Glanbia Family Fun Zone will also host the National Reptile Zoo Keepers, with animals ranging from pythons to gecko lizards, tarantulas to scorpions. There will also be a clay workshop with Martha Cashman on Saturday, while a dog show takes place on the Sunday. Across the weekend, families can also take part in a Food Treasure Hunt from Dungarvan Tourist Office.

The Youthspace tent by WSTCYS Waterford Comhairle na nÓg, Dungarvan Youth Project and Day Youth Development Programme will provide a fun, safe space for young people with activities including blind taste challenges, climate action challenges, and budget dinner ideas.

As part of the new Wellness Tasters, there will be drop-in yoga workshops while children under five eat for free at the famed Flahavan’s Greenway Breakfast at Coach House Coffee, Kilmacthomas on Saturday from 9am. Young cooks can don their aprons for Bake Off — an opportunity to put their best cake forward for judging at the Ormond Café.

 

There are paid ticketed events suitable for children with the Cool Food School and Sensory Cooking at Walton Park Marquee. There will also be a teddy bear picnic in Walton Park. Further family friendly events include family farm excursions, and a picnic river cruise with Blackwater Eco Tours River Cruise.

 

The 2022 West Waterford Festival of Food is supported by Waterford City and County Council, Waterford Local Enterprise Office and LEADER Partnership, with sponsors McCarthy Insurance Group, Flahavan’s, Glanbia Ireland, Expressway, Flo Gas, Dawn Meats, Garvey’s, Eurofins, San Pellegrino, Blackwater, SuperValu Food Academy, Coillte, FBD, Local Link, and AIB. 

  

For up-to-date information, visit www.westwaterfordfestivaloffood.com or follow: 

·         Facebook: @WaterfordFoodFestival 

·         Twitter: @WdFoodFestival 

·         Instagram: @westwaterfordfestivaloffood 

press release

Ocean Sands Enniscrone open new Ocean Spa

press release

Ocean Sands Enniscrone open new Ocean Spa

The Ocean Sands Hotel in the seaside town of Enniscrone, Co. Sligo has opened a new luxury spa completing the suite of offerings in this newly appointed four star hotel. The appropriately named Ocean Spa is at beach level, directly accessible from the carpark and ideal for both residents and non-residents. It offers a range of body and beauty treatments using quality Elemis and Ishga products in four therapy suites as well as a thermal suite and relaxation room. The Ocean Spa is open seven days a week from 10am to 6pm.

“The Ocean Spa is a superb addition to our facilities at the Ocean Sands Hotel”, explained Jennifer Howley, General Manager, “It adds a layer of affordable luxury for all our guests and is an ideal option for bridal parties who can now have their hair and makeup done without stepping outside”.

The team of experienced therapists is led by Spa Manager Louise McCormack who has created a relaxing, intimate feel in the beautifully designed spa. Dominating the relaxation room, a glorious image of sand and sea perfectly reflects the spa location. The treatment suites include a double room for couples and friends with a bespoke seaweed bath and a dedicated beauty and pedicure room. The thermal suite features a detoxifying infra-red sauna, signature hot tub and experience shower.  A salt cave will open soon.

The product ranges were carefully chosen to complement the location and client experience. Elemis is a well-known skin wellness brand describing itself as having an aromatherapist’s soul, an artist’s spirit, and a scientist’s commitment to results. Ishga is an organic, vegan skincare range from the Outer Hebrides based on hand-harvested seaweed growing in the pristine waters. Hebridean seaweed contains natural antioxidants with properties which transform and protect tired or aging skin. Both products are gentle and restorative, offering soothing and rejuvenating treatments.

Overlooking the magnificent 5 kilometre sandy beach the newly refurbished Ocean Sands Hotel deservedly achieved four star status this season. New executive head chef Marcin Szczodrowski has just introduced a new nine-course Chef’s Signature Tasting Menu available on Thursdays and Fridays from 9^th June.

The Ocean Sands Hotel comprises 50 generous bedrooms including 20 family rooms and an impressive bridal suite complete with sea view balcony. Directly behind the hotel are 13 beautifully appointed and roomy apartments with easy beach access. It’s ideal for family holidays with a safe attractive playground beside outdoor tables. It’s pet friendly, allowing dogs in selected hotel rooms and apartments. The Ocean Sands is an acclaimed wedding venue.

June 2022 - Ocean Spa Special Offer
Treatment and Thermal €75

1-hour thermal visit followed by a pampering 55 minute treatment. 

Choose one of the following:
*Elemis superfood pro-glow radiance facial 
*Hot stone back neck and shoulder massage with Hot oil nourishing scalp massage
*Mini Indian head massage with ocean spa foot ritual 

A Quart of Ale± #107. On the craft journey with Third Barrel, Kinnegar, Wicklow Wolf, Mescan, Larkin's

A Quart of Ale± #107

On the craft journey with Third Barrel, Kinnegar, Wicklow Wolf, Mescan, Larkin's 

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Third Barrel Some Dance To Remember Extra Pale Ale 4.8%, 

440 ml can Bradleys

Beautiful gold/amber colour, hazy of course, with a soft head that takes its time to say goodbye. Exotic fruit as expected in the aroma with Mango and Passion Fruit leading the dank charge. Those flavours also feature on the well-balanced palate along with the tart gooseberry from the Nelson. Another excellent well-executed beer, a slam-dunk, from the Third Barrel crew.

They say: We're kicking off the slamming season with an absolute slammer of a pale ale. This little beauty was brewed with our favourite hops. Strata and Nelson Sauvin.. All this, with a simplified malt bill leaves a crisp and fruit forward extra slammable extra pale ale.

Who are Third Barrel? Initially formed in 2016 as a collaboration between two gypsy brands who wanted their own space. Third Barrel has now grown to be one of the most respected brands in Irish craft beer. Brewing everything from the most wholesome Pils to Triple IPAs and everything in-between. “Our one and only passion in life is making savage beer and we love sharing that passion with you.”

  

Some Dance to Forget is the name of a companion to this one - it takes two to tango. “Big, Bold and in your Face is how we describe this beer. A Triple IPA brewed with 25g/l of Mosaic and Idaho 7. With a trimmed back malt bill to let the hops shine. You can expect a HUGE punch of Grapefruit, Pineapple with a touch of fruit candy.”

Kinnegar Brewers at Play 23 Mango Gose 4.3%, 440ml can Bradleys

This Mango Gose from Kinnegar Brewery comes in a hazy lemon robe with a head that is something of a shrinking violet.  Aromas indicate the expected sourness, mango in the background, yeasty hints too.  The mango gets its chance to shine on the palate, where the beer is now confirmed as tart and refreshing. No big finish but the refreshment came earlier.

Kinnegar say: “Brewers at Play presents new beers designed to keep our brewers on their toes and our customers on their tenterhooks. .No 23 in the series, Mango Gose does pretty much what it says on the tin…If this tart refreshing beer balanced with bright mango doesn’t herald the arrival of Spring, surely nothing will.”

Spring has started but this well balanced gose, with gentle salt and mild sourness, and its refreshing tartness, will also shine during the summer.

Ingredients: water, barley, wheat, oats, mango, hops, yeast. 

This once-off comes in a 440ml can with an ABV of 4.3%. 

Wicklow Wolf Mescan Wit or Without You Belgian Wit 5.0%, 440 ml can Bradleys

For the latest in the brewery’s Crossbreed Series, Wicklow Wolf collaborated, very successfully as it turned out, with Mayo’s Mescan Brewery:

“We are delighted to welcome our good friends from Mescan to brew something special. Cillian is a wizard (he even looks like one) when it comes to brewing Belgian inspired Irish beers, so when we discussed brewing a beer together, it was always going to be a Belgian style. Wit or Witout you is a perfect summer beer.” 

This is indeed a light and refreshing Belgian style Witbier and pours a hazy lemon with a white head that soon sinks. Of course you’ll immediately note that banana heads up the aromatics. The palate is more complex, the banana still there along with traces of the fresh orange peel and herbal notes as well. A very pleasant beer indeed with a touch of sweetness evident, low carbonation and light with a malty sweetness and excellent flavour. A big thumbs up!

This unfiltered and unpasteurised natural beer contains Indian C coriander, orange zest, and black peppercorn. No banana!

Larkins with Dot Brew American Breakfast Stout 8.5%, 440ml can Bradleys

Billed as “Our north American interpretation of their breakfast stout classic, with vanilla ice cream and maple syrup”. They named it, well, American Breakfast Stout.

It is black, so far so good. The off-white head vanishes quickly. And coffee heads up the aromatics. As you drink, the coffee continues in the aromas while the Maple Syrup (and vanilla to a lesser degree) get showtime on the palate. Sweet for sure, no denying that, but there is something of a balance here, something of a saving grace but hardly a stairway to beer heaven.

At least I can finish this one, one of a trio Larkins produced in collaboration with Dot Brew. But I should have paid much more attention to the labels when buying, especially the list of ingredients: Barley, Lactose, Coffee, Oats, Hops, Water, Yeast, Maple Syrup and Vanilla. American yes but not the Full Irish! 

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