Tuesday, January 2, 2024

CorkBillyBeers #55. Craft with 9 White Deer, Kildare Brewing, Brewdog

CorkBillyBeers #55


Craft with 9 White Deer, Kildare Brewing, Brewdog


A red ale and two stouts for the darker nights.

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9 White Deer Stag Stout, 4.2% ABV, 500 ml bottle Bradleys


This gluten-free Stag Stout, from Ballyvourney’s 9 White Deer, weighs in at 4.2% ABV. It is a glossy black colour with a soft tan head. Aromas are rich and full of chocolate promise, which is fully delivered in the mouth. Here the chocolate and Madagascan vanilla play quite the most pleasing duet as the rich and smooth beer finds its way around. This is a must-try chocolate “block” from the West Cork Gaeltacht; it is distinctive and delicious. Smooth and creamy, all without any nitro!


We enjoyed this early in the year and the conclusion now is very much the same. 


Very Highly Recommended.


I first came across this black beauty in Blairs Inn (near Blarney) in the winter of 2017. Richard Blair, one of two brothers then running the gastro pub, told me of a satisfied customer of a few days earlier. A coeliac, the man hadn’t drunk stout, his favourite tipple, for twenty years but, having sampled the Stag, left Blair's Inn with tears of gratitude.


They say: Stag Stout is a medium-bodied traditional dry Irish stout at 4.2 % ABV. It is designed to appeal primarily to traditional stout drinks, who remember how creamy the pints used to be. The complex recipe we developed brings back to life characteristics that are long forgotten. However this stout is like no other, Stag Stout also happens to be gluten-free, the first of its kind anywhere in the world.


The combination of the medium body, low carbonation and low hop bitterness makes Stag Stout a dangerously drinkable stout that tastes every bit as gorgeous as it looks. The promise from 9 White Deer is that as you enjoy a pint of Stag Stout you will agree with them in their assertion that it is the “Smoothest Stout in Ireland”.  It certainly is a good one!


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Brewdog Black Heart Draught Stout, 4.1% ABV, 440 ml can Bradleys


As is their usual way, Brewdog demanded attention when they launched Black Heart Draught Stout. They would take on Guinness with this  “Classic stout, brewed in and for this century. Old dog, new tricks.”


Not too sure the old dog stands up to scrutiny (Brew Dog was founded as recently as 2007) and the “new trick” turns out to be the well-known nitrogen that they add to the Chocolate and extra dark crystal malts to give smooth layers of roasted, toasted coffee and cocoa, with a hint of caramel coming through. Besides, it is labelled as Draught Stout which it is obviously not.


It certainly looks the part, black as night with a creamy-looking off-white top that hangs around a bit. There is indeed the roasted coffee and coca and caramel coming through in the smoothness. But I feel that here, and in quite a few similar stouts, the nitrogen (listed on the label), while undoubtedly adding smoothness, shaves down some other characteristics. It is not quite as “Hoppy Bitter Malty” as they proclaim. I’d give it malty but the other two are very shy indeed.


They have identified Guinness and Dublin as the object of their attack. Perhaps Britain is short of good stouts but that is not the case here and there are quite a few excellent examples, especially in the south, like the Casey Brothers from Killarney Brewing, Tipperary’s Whitefield, Dungarvan Brewery, and a number in Cork like Elbow Lane, Mi Dazza, Lynch’s, West Cork’s Stout by Stout West and, especially, Stag. Brewdog do not seem to have a handle on the challenge here. Their Cork pub didn't last very long.


In fairness, Black Heart is a 21st-century decent effort. Then again all the beers we drink now are of the same century.



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Kildare Brewing Red Ale, 4% ABV, 440 ml can Bradleys


“The classic beer for the modern beer lover.” That’s the description of this red ale from Kildare Brewing, the first beer I've tasted from the Sallins micro-brewery.


Colour is a dark red with a soft off whiet head that sinks slowly. Aromas are malty and there’s a malty element too as it starts in the palate. Toffee and toast are also in the background along with fruity and flowery notes from the yeast and quite a streak of acidity too keeps it nicely balanced. A bit on the light side for a classic Irish Red but a good one, quite refreshing.



“Store cold, drink fresh and enjoy,” is what the brewery advises. I did and it is Highly Recommended.


Back in August, there were celebrations in Sallins when they won two National Bar Of The Year awards for the 'Best Visitors Attraction' and  'Best Craft Beer Bar' in Ireland.


“To say we are proud of our team is an understatement as these awards are testament to what we do day in and day out here at Kildare Brewing Co & Lock 13 Brewpub.


In particular we are honoured to have such a gentle giant leading our brewery tour experiences with @tadghcomerford_ & would recommend you book a brewery tour with us to see why it's an award-winning visitor attraction by visiting www.lock13.ie (every Sat & Sun).”


Good Food Ireland says the brewery’s Lock13 pub “serves up pub grub favourites made with local ingredients as well as a wonderful selection of craft beers made on-site by the Kildare Brewing Company”.


Must call there on my next visit to Kildare.

CorkBillyBeers #54. Craft with Kinnegar and Weihenstephaner

CorkBillyBeers #54

Craft with Kinnegar and Weihenstephaner

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Kinnegar Devil’s Backbone Amber Ale, 4.9% ABV, 500 ml bottle O’Donovan’s


Amber’s the colour for sure, a dark amber at that. The head is off-white and not for hanging about (at least when poured from the bottle).  Lots of fizz in the haze. 


The first sip introduces you to its chocolate/caramel backbone and you realise this is a serious drink, pretty robust too, a full-bodied drink you can’t ignore. Dark fruit flavours on the palate, a very satisfying bitterness as well (hops are a mix of European and American) and then there’s a lip-smacking dry finish to boot.


The label indicates amber ale and you are thinking American. But notes on their website say it is known as a refreshing contemporary take on a traditional Irish red. And a pretty good take it is.


Versatile with food and equally enjoyable on its own… full bodied and full flavoured….just the right amount of spice and sweetness…Very enjoyable. Very Highly Recommended. 



Label notes suggest pouring this naturally carbonated beer into a glass, leaving any natural sediment at the bottom of the bottle.


The Devil's Backbone is a local beauty spot, that changes as the seasons and the sunlight change. ...



Geek Bits

STYLE: Amber / Red

COLOUR: Deep red

HOPS: American/European

AVAILABILITY: Year-round

Format: 500ML bottle • 440ML can

30L steel keg (domestic) • 30L/20L kev keg (export).\


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Weihenstephaner Kristall Weissbier, 5.4% ABV, 500 ml bottle O’Donovan’s



A World Champion - three times in a row. That third accolade set off great scenes of celebration for the German brewer Weihenstephaner as their Kristall Weissbier (bottle version) was declared Gold winner again at this year’s AIBA.


“The subtle banana notes, the refreshing effervescence, and the nobly filtered appearance in the glass completely convinced the jury”. And they convince me also! That golden colour and all those bubbles send an Invitation that is irresistible.

The brewery’s full title is Bavarian State Brewery Weihenstephan and this is their only top-fermented beer brewed that is not cloudy. The clarity is achieved through filtration.


That clarity is topped with a fine compact foam that stays around as the fountains of bubbles rise. And of course, you notice those banana and clove notes in both the aromas and on the journey through the palate.


Fresh citrus aromas are also evident in the flavour, while the fine bubbles give a pleasing effervescence. Cinnamon and clove on the palate, with a good full mouthfeel. Complex long finish all with that second glass appeal.


By the way, if you haven’t tried wheat beer, this crisp and clean champion is a good one to start with. Disappointing that this was pretty well past its BB date but a tribute to the brewers that it is still in such good nick.


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Weihenstephaner Hefe Weissbier, 5.4% ABV, 500 ml bottle Bradleys



It has a light gold colour, hazy, with a fluffy pillowy head. Typical clove aromas and banana flavours. Superb refreshing flavours and a delight on the palate along with an excellent dry finish. 


This well-balanced beer with its light creamy character reminds me of why I so enjoyed wheat beer early on but wheat beers are in a minority in Ireland and you don’t come across them that often. This is a classic indeed. As they say: This premium, naturally cloudy, pale amber wheat beer is truly a feast for the senses. They add: ” …a veritable classic – and the star of our beer ensemble…. It is the ideal reward at the end of a long day.”


This Weihenstephaner,  as is the Kristall, is made according to the Bavarian Purity Law of 1516. Drink at 6-8 degrees. It has a mild IBU count of 14 and they recommend pairing it with Obazda (a Bavarian cheese spread) - I’m sure we could rustle up something similar around here. What we cannot magic up is a brewery as old as Weihenstephaner - they’ve been at it since 1040! Other food pairings noted are with fish and seafood, and especially with the traditional Bavarian veal sausage.


While the Kristall is impressive and has racked up the awards, this is regarded as the star by the brewery. They obviously know their stuff and I’d go with that (not that means leaving Kristall behind). As mentioned earlier, if you are making a start in the wheat beer style, then make the Kristall your first step!






CorkBillyBeers #53. Craft with Rye River, Rascals, Whitefield and Camba

CorkBillyBeers #53

Craft with Rye River, Rascals, Whitefield and Camba.


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Rye River Upstream Pale Ale, 4.5% ABV, 500 ml bottle Dunnes Stores


Rye River sums this up neatly: ..Dry hopped classic pale ale…..bitter, citrus and malty.


Amber gold is the colour with a white head that doesn’t hang about, at least when poured from the bottle straight from the fridge. As the label indicates, it is really well balanced, the citrus aromas being matched by the hop bitterness with the malt keeping any potential hop extremes in check.


It is light and very drinkable, yet there is a good bite to it and it is also refreshing. You may well have had this previously under its original name of "Rosie's Pale Ale”. This is my first tasting of it and it is Very Highly Recommended.


Geek Bits

Best Before 07.24 (bought 05.10.23)

Pairs with: Grilled meat, spicy sausages, dishes with garlic,

Hops: Chinook, Columbus, El Dorado, Mosaic, Vic Secret

Malts: Carapils, Honey Malt, Pale Malt, Vienna Malt

IBU: 37

Format: Draught, bottle, can

2022 World Beer Awards:  Bronze Medal


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Rascals The Phoenix Dark Autumnal Ale 5.3% ABV, 440 ml can Bradleys



“Savour the taste of Autumn with our subtly smoked dark ale. Warm your bones with this medium-bodied cold-fermented smoke brown ale.”


That’s the invite from Dublin brewery Rascals. The colour is indeed a dark brown/black with a slight fleeting head. Aromas are smoky, not overly forceful, with a hint of bacon frying in the next room.  And yes, it is nuts and chocolate combined on the palate to give a dark sweetness. The balance is pretty good all through to the smooth finish.


Highly Recommended.


Rascals say: The Phoenix Dark has been cold fermented for a nobler taste and fuller body. It’s a real fireside beer for the evenings drawing in and kicking up leaves on autumnal walks in the park….. Dark autumnal ale with a delightful palette of flavours, nice body, and smooth finish.



Geek Bits

Malt: Beech Smoked Malt, Melanoidin, Cara Blond, Dark Crystal Malt, Chocolate Wheat, Oak Smoked Malt, Lager Malt.

Hops: Hops: Hallertau Mittelfrüh, 

Yeast: LAX

ABV: 5.3%



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Whitefield Brewery Morning Dew Saison style, 6.0% ABV, 500 ml bottle Bradleys


Realised I was a good bit late coming to this one as I read the label from the Templemore brewery: “Ah Spring! Finally, the spirits start to lift, the birds begin to sing and the hope of a long good summer is just around the next bend. To celebrate we’ve brewed a beer with a variety of traditional grains in the French Saison style.”


The summer was long. But not so good. Having waited all summer, I just had to wait a bit longer as that head took its time to settle down. Malt makes a smokey impact on the aromas. And there’s no shortage of malt in the flavours either. The taste though is light and refreshing, and a hint of clove adds interest. Just the job for refreshment after work on a summer's day and not too bad either on a wet October night with Storm Babet for company!


Very Highly Recommended. The beer that is, not the storm. I’m thinking this Saison from Tipp is up there with the best of them, including the Dupont. Whitefield says: “it is a seasonal beer brewed with traditional grains in a French saison style”.


Geek Bits

Brewed with water from own well. 

Ingredients: Malted barley, spelt and rye, hops and yeast.


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Camba Märzen 5.8% ABV, 500 ml bottle Bradleys



“It is the love for the craft of brewing, the desire to discover and a unique landscape shaped by nature and culture in a variety of ways that make every Camba a special taste experience: a beer with character.”


Most of the German beers we come across in Ireland are from breweries whose history reaches back over multiple centuries. Not Camba! "Camba Bavaria" was originally founded in 2008 as a showroom for the brewing equipment manufacturer BrauKon in Truchtlaching. 


Founder Markus Lohner wanted to show customers from all over the world how his brewing systems work and the variety of beers that could be brewed with them. His sample beers tasted so well that in a short few years, Camba has carved out a place for itself in the beer industry with a range of traditional and international beers.


This Marzen has a darkish colour, red in the gold, and a soft white head. There are sweet malty notes in the aromas. There is an immediately noticeable if slight, bitterness on the palate along with the nutty tones from the malt. Somewhat fuller than regular lagers, this is a smooth and well-balanced beer, refreshing too.


They may well be a “young” Bavarian brewery but, like their older siblings, they have food recommendations for this bottom-fermented beer and they are roasts, home cooking or roasted chicken.



Geeks Bits

Type of beer: Marzen

Alcohol Vol: 5.8%

Bitter units/ IBU: 16

Malt: Pilsner, Munich, caramel malts

Yeast: Bavarian lager yeast

Hops: tradition

Ingredients: water, barley malt, hops, yeast