The Irish Times recently published this article suggesting some Irish beers to enjoy with foods this Christmas. Celebrate craft with great Irish beers
Many of my favourites are in there like Kinsale Pale Ale, Dungarvan’s Black Rock Stout and Mescan’s Red Tripel. Having visited all of these breweries on the tour, I can absolutely say that they are all very passionate brewers who put a lot of thought into what kind of beers they brew with quality ingredients and consistency being paramount. There’s some new very interesting looking Irish beers to try this Christmas and this is what I’ll be looking for in my local craft beer store.
World’s End Imperial Stout 8.5% by Black’s Brewery.
On a tour to Blacks Brewery Kinsale in the late Summer we got a sneak preview taste of this Imperial Stout which was fermenting away. It tasted pretty damn good in September so I can’t wait to taste the finished product. It is made with Fairtrade Cacao Husks and Madagascan Vanilla Beans.
Brandy Barrel or Bourbon Barrel from Independent Brewing 8.1% ABV.
On our Summer visit to Independent Brewing, we tasted a delicious Whiskey Stout, the stout was infused with the whiskey flavours along with chocolate and coffee for smoothness. If the stout was anything to go by this new barrel aged barley wine will also be a winner, one for enjoying with the Christmas pudding.
Dash Away by Trouble Brewing 5.7% ABV
This has to be sampled over Christmas if not just for its name then for the taste combination of bitterness from the chocolate stout followed by the sweet cherry finish, sounds like something that would typically be taken from a box and unwrapped. Trouble Brewing are always coming out with unique seasonal beers.
Gallows Hill Barley Wine from Dungarvan Brewing 8.5% ABV
Another Barley Wine but it is that time of year after all, it’s also known as a traditional style Autumn Ale. Cormac at Dungarvan Brewery is great for coming up with seasonal beers, another firm Christmas favourite is their Coffee and Oatmeal Stout brewed with Flahavan’s oats and coffee roasted by Badger and Dodo. The Gallows Hill is a limited edition seasonal to be enjoyed with cheese, an English stilton or a vintage cheddar is suggested.
Winter Star by O’Hara’s 5% ABV
Winter Star is a spiced rye ale with natural rye and seasonal spices primarily cinnamon with an orange rind flavour which adds a citrusy balance. One to be enjoyed by the fire with a savoury bite. Another perfect Christmas treat is Leann Folláin from O’ Haras, Irish for wholesome stout, this is black and gold all at once.
Enjoy all the festive food and beers.
Happy Christmas!