CorkBillyBeers #29. Craft Lager, a superb quartet from Wicklow Wolf, Kinnegar, Mescan and Lineman

CorkBillyBeers #29

Craft Lager, a superb quartet from Wicklow Wolf, Kinnegar, Mescan and Lineman

**********************

Wicklow Wolf Running With Wolves India Pale Lager, 5.6%, 440ml can

Just like Kinnegar below, Wicklow Wolf are claiming this is a “modern style” lager. It  is brewed in collaboration with Bristol brewery Lost and Grounded and this India Pale Lager is dry hopped with Idaho 7 and Huell Melon to create “a savagely refreshing modern style lager”.

Wicklow tells us, that for the collaboration with their friends Lost and Grounded Brewers, “we took inspiration from their delicious Running with Sceptres, we brewed a single decoction India Pale Lager.”

Yeast used in this hybrid is an interesting one. It is the Hoppin Pils lager yeast that is targeted towards IPL styles and/or dry hopped lagers (as here) and  is commonly used for the brewing of Bock, German lagers, Kolsch, lagers and pilsners

Colour is a light gold (not quite one hundred per cent clear) and there are aromas of biscuity malt, apricot and a citrus sweetness. On the palate, no shortage of flavour as the malts and hops get together to make it a balanced experience right through to the satisfactory finalé.

This single decoction India Pale Lager is Very Highly Recommended..

**********************

Kinnegar #30 Unfiltered Hoppy Lager 4.6%, 440ml can Bradleys

Colour of this unfiltered hoppy lager from the Kinnegar Brewers at Play series is a "foggy" gold. The first impression on the palate is one of refreshment, just like a lager should be. But, reinforced by “a contemporary hop profile”, this has a bit more going for it and should be welcome as the temperatures stay high in the days ahead.

Indeed, the brewers say they made it “to herald the arrival of a warmer beer-drinking season”. I notice they don’t mention summer!

The Brewers at Play series is designed to keep Kinnegar brewers on their toes and their customers on tenterhooks. It is No. 30 in the series which has come up with some gems. This is another one, a superb lager with excellent flavour and that high refreshment factor.

Lagers, they say, are among the most challenging - “and are amongst our favourite beers to brew”. I reckon it was well worth the effort on this occasion.

Very Highly Recommended.

**********************

Mescan Seven Virtues Lager 4.8%, 330 ml bottle

Last Spring (April) in the Mescan brewery, on a farm in the shadow of Croagh Patrick, we started a tasting with brewery co-founder Cillian Ó Móráin with a shared bottle of this lager. After a long enough drive from Cork, it proved remarkably refreshing and made me wonder why so few lagers reach this level of quality.

This may be the answer. At that tasting, Cillian explained that his beers take a minimum of 4 months with the heavy ones getting 6-8 months whereas your normal craft beer takes just a few weeks from start to counter (can vary from brewer to brewer). While the extra time makes the Mescan more expensive, Cillian reckons it is very important for the quality of the beer. And it is indeed a premium product as that little tasting and this more recent full bottle illustrated.

It has the nice golden lager colour and billions of bubbles rising to the soft white head. A bit of citrus and grass (not that grass!) in the aromas. On the palate, it is a bit more than your usual lager - it is after all dry-hopped. But it is crisp and refreshing, easy-drinking. Well worth a try!

They say: Virtues lager was the first in a series of one-off brews. Crisp and slightly dry hopped, a nod in the direction of both tradition and innovation.  Serving Temp 2 - 4 °C. 

Note that serving temperature, somewhat lower than usual.

Mescan always pay attention to matching their beers with food and even invented the Mescan Food-Pairing Wheel, designed to take the angst out of matching beer and food. It’s an easy way to pair each Mescan craft beer with the foods that complement it. It’s available on the website and is easily printable in a pdf format. It was a useful resource for all the home chefs who explored new options in their kitchens during the pandemic.

Check  here to see what goes with this lager. 

Very Highly Recommended

**********************

Lineman Undertone Dark Lager, 4.5% ABV, 440ml can Bradleys

Came across this dark gem first at the Franciscan Well Easter Festival on the North Mall and was immediately smitten, so obviously that the kind lady at the Lineman stand generously topped me up, with a smile. It was a sunny day. No sun as I write but I’m still smiling with my dark Czech lager.

Dark ruby is the colour of this one with a soft tan colour head on top. Chocolate and caramel feature in the aromas. And the flavours give it away - it is a malty lager, underneath the toast-bready, caramel-y camouflage.

A smooth Bohemian style dark lager that delivers delicious toast, chocolate and caramel notes. Unpasteurised, unfiltered, serve chilled. Drink fresh. Suitable for vegans.  All that info on the label.

And quite a refreshing lager. The smooth flavours develop as a result of the use of Munich malts and extended cold fermentation and conditioning. And also a more expressive lager yeast strain that adds its own character.

They say: This unfiltered lager is given plenty of time to condition over the 8 weeks in tank prior to packaging. It's one of our absolute favourites. It's a labour of love.

Yes, Lineman (and me) are fans of Czech darks and dunkels. “Rounder and less roasty than a schwarzbier. Toasty, bread crust, and caramel. Freshly packaged UNDERTONE is making a return with a new look, but still a delicious 4.5% beer to enjoy. We've given the label a makeover and we've tweaked the recipe just a tad. This unfiltered lager is given plenty of time to condition over the 8 weeks in tank prior to packaging."

Used to be 4.2% but the new 4.5% keeps it in the sessional category.

Very Highly Recommended. 

Cork City’s most delicious week returns this August for a feast of fun!

Cork City’s most delicious week returns this August for a feast of fun!

Aishling Moore, chef and partner at Goldie restaurant, and Brian Murray, chef and owner of The Glass Curtain join Caoimhe (7) and Naoise (5) O’Leary-Kinnerk (from Castlemore) to launch the programme of events for the upcoming Cork on a Fork Festival. Pics: Joleen Cronin.

Cork on a Fork Fest launches 5-day programme for 2023,
with almost 100 tasty events and experiences to saviour

Cork City will be transformed into one big food festival for 5 days of feasting and fun this August 16^th-20^th for Cork on a Fork Fest. I really enjoyed this last year and very much looking forward to a bigger and even better festival this time.

Mouths will water at the flavour-packed festival programme just launched, which includes almost 100 food events and unique experiences.

Whether you want to taste your way through the city on a food trail, take part in unique culinary experiences at a pop-up event, learn a new skill at a talk or workshop, enjoy live entertainment at a street event, or feast on the finest local food, there will be plenty to see, do and devour.

The festival was established in 2022 by Cork City Council as a celebration of dining and nightlife in Cork City and the incredible produce found in the Cork region.

The full programme can be found on www.corkonaforkfest.ie, with new events being added throughout the summer, but for now here’s a taster to whet your appetite:

• The festival will kick off with 2 hours of talks at a conference on Feeding Cork the sustainable and healthy way, in partnership with Cork Food Policy Council.
• A series of talks will take place at the Festival Stage in the Crawford Art Gallery Theatre all day on Friday 18th and Saturday 19^th August. These will include panel discussion with leading names in Cork food, an Ethiopian bread making demo, a discussion with food writers on Cork Food, a meet the makers gin talk on Bertha’s Gin, talks from the UCC School of Food and Nutritional Sciences, and more.   All free to attend.
• A 100-seater Cooking Demo Festival Marquee will be erected on Emmet Place (outside Cork Opera House) on Saturday 19th August, featuring demos and talks by leading names in Cork food, including Michelin Chef Takashi Miyazaki from Ichigo Ichie, Michelin-rated chef Aishling Moore from Gold, Clare Condon from Good Day Deli, Brian Murray from The Glass Curtain, Darren Kennedy from Sage, William Murray from Currabinny, and more.  All events are free to attend, supported by Failte Ireland, Ireland’s Ancient East and the Wild Atlantic Way.
• A Festival Market will take place on Emmet Place with over 20 local producers and businesses on the same day with live music and face-painting,
• SoulCanvas, A Night of Yoga, Art, Music & Food, will take place at Crawford Art Gallery with The Yoga Tree and The Green Room Cafe.
• L’Atitude 51 is partnering with NeighbourFood, the online farmer’s market, to host a Cork produce showcase, via Cork NeighbourFood producers in the form of a Paella (+ more) at a makeshift kitchen on the boardwalk of Union Quay.
• Unique picnics will also pop up.  Influencer Shauna Doyle will host a 'Corkchella' festival picnic at the stunning gardens of Gabriel House, St Lukes, whilst The Montenotte will host an exclusive Summer Champagne Afternoon Picnic in their Victorian sunken gardens.
• A Feast of Fashion Brunch will take place at Sketch in The Imperial on Sunday, in partnership with Opera Lane and local boutiques.
• Explore Cork harbour on a Sailing, Shucking and Shanties cruise with entertainment from Cobh Molgoggers and oyster shucking by Pat O’Connell.
• Numerous talks and tastings will take place, including Black Gold – Cork’s Blood Pudding Culture with Kate from Flavour.ie at the Farmgate Restaurant/
• There will be plenty of workshops too from Food Photography to Sourdough and Wine Harvest, tutored beer tasting, and coffee cupping., 
• An International Tea Ceremony will take place in partnership with Good Day Deli and Cork Migrant Centre at Nano Nagle Place.
• There will also be daily food trails throughout the city with different themes from Cork history, to a wine trail, vegan food, and a fish trail, all with a local and sustainable focus.
• Renowned Cork Chef Orla McAndrew will also be popping up for cooking demos using fresh market produce outside the English Market over the week.
• And Zero-Waste Chef Conor Spacey will officially launch his book ‘Wasted’ as part of Cork on a Fork in L’Atitude on Sunday August 20th with a plant-based tasting menu using recipes from the book paired with natural wines by L’Atitude.  
  
  
  

Not only that but there will be special offers and early bird menus at venues throughout the city including The Glass Curtain, Hayfield Manor, Electric and more, and gorgeous brunches at Greenwich, Sophies at the Dean and The Met.  The streets will also come alive with jazz and opera music while you dine, and numerous street events will take place.

This year’s festival programme will also cater to families with ticketed and free events in the programme, including a bread and butter making demo at Cork Butter Museum, pizza making workshops, sensory cooking classes with the Cool Food School at St Peters for various ages, a healthy eating puppet show, and pop-up play streets at markets with Let’s Play Cork.

Cork on a Fork Fest is putting a key focus on sustainability, promoting local food and talent, and it features a range of talks and events focused on sustainability.  The event will feature a zero waste dinner and there will even be a library barrel cookbook exchange.

Cork city is packed with talented chefs, great places to eat, Michelin rated restaurants, fun pubs, a vibrant outdoor dining scene, and of course the famous English Market. It has a treasure trove of unique dining spaces from historic buildings to rooftop gardens, waterfront venues, converted churches, old forts and jails.  It’s also a compact city that’s easy to get around and the Cork region boasts a significant amount of Ireland’s artisan producers, so you see why it’s hailed as Ireland’s food capital.

The full virtual programme is available on corkonaforkfest.ie and events will continue to be added throughout the summer.

Commenting at the programme launch Fearghal Reidy, Director of Services, Strategic Planning & Development at Cork City Council said, “Cork on a Fork Fest is a celebration of authentic food experiences in Cork City and the incredible produce in our region.  The festival will see Cork City transformed into one big food festival for five days, filled with authentic and unique experiences. We wanted the festival to be accessible to all, so it’s a real melting pot of ticketed and free events, with a family friendly and fringe programme.  We are also mindful of the important of sustainability and reducing food waste, which you will see within the programme content.”

Cork on a Fork Festival is a Cork City Council Festival, supported by local hospitality businesses, Failte Ireland and Ireland’s Ancient East, Pure Cork, Fáilte Ireland, Cork Business Association, Cork Airport and media partners the Irish Examiner.  It was established to celebrate Cork food and Cork city’s ever evolving dining and nightlife scene in 2022. 

For the full festival programme see www.corkonaforkfest.ie or for live updates follow @corkonaforkfest.

press release

An Outstanding Tempranillo From Toledo. The Pinuaga Colección.

An Outstanding Tempranillo From Toledo

Pinuaga Colección Tempranillo Vino de la Terra de Castillo 2018, 13.5% ABV, 

€21.00 Stockists: Mary Pawle.

In 1960, the first generation of Pinuaga winemakers established the winery in the village of Corral de Almaguer, province of Toledo.  They planted special old clones of Tempranillo called Cencibel with smaller grains, silky skin and longer ripening cycles. 

It had been a favourite ever since with the winery. “It is the first that we make after the construction of the new winery and the one that many know as ‘El Pinuaga de toda la vida’ (translated by Google as El Pinuaga is the wine of a lifetime). "This is a very special wine for us as it is the first wine we made at Pinuaga and hence why we call it Colección.” 

Mid ruby is the colour of this deep and intense organic wine. Aromas, dark red fruits (cherry) to the fore, are a little (just) on the shy side. It comes into its own on the palate, full of rich red fruit flavours, a touch of spice, smooth and rounded, and tannins well integrated. Rich concentrated and elegant, it is certainly rather special and is Very Highly Recommended.

Today, the second and third generation of the Pinuaga family, Valentin and Esther, maintain the old vines with much care and pride, following a minimal intervention philosophy, using natural and artisanal winemaking processes and recovering indigenous clones. The quality of the wines is driven by the characteristic of the soils, age of vines, grape variety and organic farming practices; all of these parameters are present in every wine, making them singular and unique.

***************

Check out the Good Value Wine List here

***************

Altitude is a key factor here, as it is in much of Spain. According to the World Atlas of Wine, “a good 90% of all Spanish vineyards lie at altitudes higher than any major French wine region” and this, especially in Castilla y Leon, helps maintain acidity enough to keep the wines relatively fresh. The altitude benefit means “growers can depend on cool nights to ‘fix’ colour and flavour in the grapes ripened during the torrid summer days”.  

The Pinuaga vineyard area is also really windy. The winemakers appreciate its benefits: “The vineyards are well aerated so it's a very healthy terroir. There is a lot of changes between the day and night temperatures too, which are very good for the ripening of the fruits.”

Pinuaga is situated close to the city of Toledo in central Spain, this is a huge wine-making region with more land under vine than the whole of Australia. The wines are now being imported to Ireland by Mary Pawle and, as is consistently the case with Mary, are keenly priced.

***************

Check out our Top 2023 Wines here.

***************

A new chapter for the historic Imperial Hotel as Louis Fitzgerald Family expands portfolio into the Cork market

 A new chapter for the historic Imperial Hotel

Louis Fitzgerald Family expands portfolio into the Cork market with the acquisition of the luxurious Imperial Hotel

The Louis Fitzgerald Group, one of the largest family-run hospitality groups in the country, has announced that its acquisition of the iconic 4-star Imperial Hotel in Cork City is now complete.

The family business, headed by Louis Fitzgerald and now in its 54^th year, has a longstanding track record of acquiring landmark properties, so the timeless 200-year-old Imperial Hotel is the perfect addition to their impressive portfolio.  The Group includes the Arlington Hotel, Louis Fitzgerald Hotel and Joels Restaurant, An Poitin Stil, The Stag’s Head, Kehoes Pub, The Quays Bar Galway and most recently, Murphy’s Bar in Galway.

Staff and locals alike welcome that the Grande Dame, as it’s fondly known, will move from one Irish owned family business to another, bucking the trend of international investments, and that the family places great emphasis on ensuring the legacy, history and character of their hotels, pubs and bars are carried forward for future generations to enjoy.

Commenting on the purchase, Louis Fitzgerald said, ‘We have been an admirer of the Imperial Hotel for some time. The Hotel has an incredible history and has built a fantastic reputation as one of the country’s most luxurious and boutique city hotels to stay in. This is a credit to the team in place there, and we look forward to working with them to continue to innovate.

We have been looking for the right opportunity to expand into the Cork market for a number of years and The Imperial, with its rich history and association with Michael Collins, is a great fit for what we stand for. Cork City is steeped in great culture and creativity and future developments in the pipeline are very exciting. We look forward to being a part of it. On a personal note, the Flynn family have been a pleasure to deal with throughout the process. It is very satisfying to see the Imperial move from one Irish family to another and to carry on its great heritage, particularly in a time when we see so many Irish hotels being bought by international investment funds.”

After successfully navigating the organisation through the pandemic, the Fitzgerald family are positively looking forward to continued growth and development over the coming years.

The Imperial boasts a rich history and has welcomed high-profile names over the past 200 years including actress Grace Kelly, Prince Rainier of Monaco, Michael Collins, and many others. With 131 guest rooms, multiple dining options, and conference facilities, the hotel is a popular choice for both leisure and business travellers.

The acquisition comes on the back of major investment, renovations, a new food offering, a new strategic direction and a myriad of awards over the past three years. 

 

The new ownership has assured employees that their jobs are safe and they are committed to investing in the continued development of staff skills and expertise.  The Louis Fitzgerald Group has also assured guests that all vouchers will continue to be honoured. 

press release

Two Very Highly Recommended Wines From The Alentejo. Drinking through Portugal's wine regions.

Drinking through Portugal wine regions. The Alentejo

Part III

Foot Trodden (2021), a book on Portuguese wine that I am currently reading, covers these eight regions: Minho, Douro, Dao, Bairrada, Colares, Ribatejo, Alentejo and Madeira (home of one of the most age-worthy wines). Other regions noted are Algarve, Setubal, Beiras Interior, Tránsmontano, Bucelas, VR Lisbon and Carcavelos. This is the continuation of an occasional focus on Portugal and over the next month or two I’ll try to get my hands on as many of the wines of Portugal as I can. Any tips or help will be most welcome!

Of all the companies bringing Portuguese wine into Ireland, Liberty Wines (with very strong connections to the country) are best placed to summarise the recent history of wine there. They do that well in this paragraph from their current portfolio.

From 1932, when Antonio de Oliveira Salazar took power, until Portugal’s accession to the EU in 1986, wineries were largely state-controlled. This generally stunted the development of exports and quality-driven producers in the country. Once state bureaucracy was relaxed and Salazar was removed from power, the Portuguese quality wine revolution got underway. It has been a slow process, but the past decade has seen the movement gather pace. As a result, few countries can match the value and diversity that Portugal has to offer.

Herdade Do Peso Vinha Do Monte Vinho Regional Alentejano (IG) 2019, 12.5% ABV, 

€16.95 RRP. Stockists: Mannings Emporium, The Wine Centre, Wineonline.ie

Sogrape is Portugal’s leading wine company, with an unparalleled presence. Since its creation in 1942, it has been investing in the main Portuguese wine regions. With a strong presence in Dão, Douro and Vinhos Verdes, entry into Alentejo - the national wine region with the highest growth rates - was natural and inevitable and came via Herdade Do Peso.

This Vinha Do Monte white is one of their wines and is produced from Antão Vaz, Arinto and Roupeiro grapes, supplied by growers in the Vidígueira region. It is one of the cooler Alentejo sub-regions and benefits from cool Atlantic air funnelled inland by a gap in the coastal mountains. Limestone soils here help to control vine vigour and lend elegance to the wines.

This white is fermented at low temperatures in stainless steel to retain freshness and vibrant fruit flavours. It is then aged on lees in tank to add extra depth and texture.

A medium-bodied wine, it has an attractive light gold colour. The aromatics are very fresh and elegant with fruity (pear, peach), floral and mineral notes combined.  That vibrant fruity freshness is balanced by a lively acidity on the palate and the wine is refreshing as an aperitif and a match to seafood and fish dishes and with all kinds of appetisers. Quite a crisp finish, will have you smacking your lips!

Enjoy this Very Highly Recommended Wine.

Alentejo is not that well-known here and then there’s its little-known (in Ireland) use of talha (amphorae). The talha has been part of life here since Roman times. The wine is "shared copiously” with family and neighbours. It is never bottled, just bring your own container, and food too (enough to share!) if you wish to eat in the cellar. No money changes hands, so don’t mention it! 

See also Part 11 of this mini-Portugal series. Better still, go and get the book, even for this Talha chapter alone.

***************

Check out our Top 2023 Wines here.

***************

Check out the Good Value Wine List here

***************

Azamor Single Estate Vinho Regional Alentejano 2019l, 14.5% ABV, 

RRP €21.95 Morton’s, Searsons Wine Merchants, McHughs Off Licence - Kilbarrack Road, The 1601, Drink Store, World Wide Wines, Egans Off Licence, Wineonline.ie, Leopardstown Inn.

Portuguese red wines are most often blends and this one takes the biscuit with a mix of indigenous and French varieties listed as 20%  Syrah, 18%  Alicante Bouschet,17% Touriga Franca, 17%  Merlot 12% Touriga Nacional, 10% Trincadeira and 6% Petit Verdot. Not too sure many would remember all those if you are out shopping for wine. But the French also have many multi-varietal wines so follow the region or better still the producer. Just ask for an Azamor red from Alentejano. This one, the Single Estate, with elegance, concentration and depth of flavour, is well worth the effort.

Deliciously fruity, and elegant with soft tannins, Azamor is made thanks to that melange of classic Portuguese and French grape varieties. It is mid-ruby robed and gorgeously fruity with soft tannins. The aromas, of rich dark red fruit scents, promise much and translate through to the well-rounded palate bursting at the seams with soft fruit flavours with the flimsiest wrap of spice. Soft yet vibrant flavours and soft tannins also accompany you to a magnificent finish. 

A terrific player with aperitifs, but even better with light dishes of meat, fish and pasta. Very Highly Recommended.

Situated relatively far south, the Alentejo is known for its dry, hot summers, when the temperature can often rise to 45°C. However, lying at 350 metres above sea level, Azamor’s 27 hectares of vineyard benefit from the cooling influence of altitude. Situated on low vigour, clay and schist slopes, these are some of the most densely planted vineyards in the region and produce low yields of very concentrated fruit.

Portugal mini-series

Part IV (Vinho Verde, Lisboa and Alentejano).

Part III (Alentejo) 

Part 11 (Douro, Dão, Alentejo and Setubal.)  

Part 1 (Minho) 

HARLEY ST FOOD MARKET RETURNS TODAY WITH NEW GLOBAL MENU

 HARLEY ST FOOD MARKET RETURNS TODAY WITH NEW GLOBAL MENU

 

The Metropole Hotel has announced the return of Harley StrEAT, the popular summer destination for foodies who are always on the lookout for new tastes. The food market is set to start from Friday, June 9th onwards with a variety of cuisines ranging from Mexican, Middle Eastern, Thai and American. 

The newly launched menu is under the direction of Executive Head Chef of Trigon Hotels, Alex Petit, who is known for his innovative creations that blend flavours from different countries and regions. 

The food on offer has been made with locally sourced ingredients and will include both meat and vegetarian bites including Tacos Al Pastor, Falafel Gyro Bowl, Fried Chicken Waffle, BBQ Brisket Hash, and Thai Seafood Spice Box.  For the sweet tooth there is Limoncello Summer Posset and Vasil's Famous Baklava. Guests can look forward to enjoying a diverse range of dishes that will tickle their taste buds and tantalise their senses.

Roger Russell, General Manager at Metropole Hotel said, "We are thrilled to bring back the Harley StrEAT food market this summer. This is our way of offering guests and locals a unique culinary experience that showcases the diverse range of flavours while enjoying the fantastic summer vibe. Our team of chefs have ensured that there is something for everyone. I can’t wait for people to try out what’s on offer."

Located just a stone's throw away from Metropole Hotel, Harley Street is renowned for its vibrant street art, cultural integration and culinary adventure. The food market is open from Friday-Sunday 1pm – 7pm and Monday Bank Holidays 1-5pm.

For more information visit - https://www.harleysstreat.com/

press release

Wicklow Wolf awarded as inaugural winners of the Spirit of Wicklow Awards announced

Inaugural winners of the Spirit of Wicklow Awards announced

At an event last night in The Powerscourt Distillery visitor centre, the inaugural winners of the Spirit of Wicklow Awards were announced. The aim of the Spirit of Wicklow Awards is to honour the extraordinary spirit and unwavering mindset of the people of Wicklow, and it's all brought together by the team at The Powerscourt Distillery. With over 700 nominations received, the Co Wicklow spirit was truly on show at the ceremony, with many nominees in attendance.

 

Winners of the four awards were:

·        The Spirit of Wicklow Community Award – Lakers Social & Recreational Club (Bray)

·        The Spirit of Wicklow Sustainability Award – ReWild Wicklow (Wicklow County)

·        The Spirit of Wicklow Arts/Sports/Culture Award – Schoolhouse for Art (Enniskerry)

·        The Spirit of Wicklow Enterprise and Innovation Award – Wicklow Wolf (Newtown Mount Kennedy)

The overall winner, as chosen by the judges, was ReWild Wicklow. ReWild Wicklow embodies the Extraordinary Spirit of Wicklow and received, in addition to the category prize, a €2,000 bursary to be awarded to a charity of their choice.

 

Speaking about the Awards, Caroline Gardiner, Head of Marketing, Digital & Communications, said,   “ We congratulate all the winners of the 2023 Spirit of Wicklow Awards and commend the exceptional quality of all the entries received. The remarkable craftsmanship, innovation, passion, and community spirit displayed by participants has solidified Wicklow's position as a hub of extraordinary spirit. This event has showcased the vibrant spirit of our county and inspired us all at The Powerscourt Distillery”.

 

 Lakers Social & Recreational Club was founded in 1989 and is a Sports, Social and Recreational Club for children & adults with intellectual disabilities. Running over 60 activities a week with over 400 members, open 6 days a week, and supported by over 160 volunteers, Lakers encompass everything that is best in humanity and the Spirit of the people of Wicklow.

 

 ReWild Wicklow's mission is to monitor, protect, enhance and increase native habitats in Wicklow so that it can support a vast, biodiverse, balanced ecosystem of historical flora and fauna. In short - a Wicklow as wild as it once was. They aim to achieve this by working in collaboration with all public, private and NGO landowners across the county. With a strong emphasis on citizen science and people power, educating the public and encouraging volunteers to get involved with work to protect the natural habitats all over Wicklow. A clear demonstration of the “Spirit of Wicklow” and people power campaigning for radical action in restoring biodiversity in Wicklow, empowering the local community to lead the charge.

 

 Schoolhouse for Art’s Neil Condren is the founder/director and was nominated for all he does in the community for art. And after 10 years in the heart of Enniskerry Village, he has opened a second venue in the inspiring and stunning grounds of RUSSBOROUGH HOUSE, Blessington, Co. Wicklow.

 

 Wicklow Wolf’s mission is to brew exceptional beers without compromise and with true passion. Independently brewed for independent minds. They are locally rooted and at one with nature, brewing beers in a sustainable way. In 2022 they took their commitment to sustainability one step further and commissioned the installation of over 120Kw of solar panels, covering the entirety of their 17,000 sq. ft brewery roof. 

 

The Awards Winner in each category received a specially commissioned Award made from hand-chosen Wicklow Oak created by local craftsmanship by Ian Robertson,a luxury hamper of Wicklow Produce, including a selection of the distillery's award-winning Fercullen Whiskeys.