The second outing of the Irish Craft Beer Festival in Belfast took place recently in Custom House Square and what was instantly noticeable as you walked into the tent is there were fewer stalls than the 2016 event – is that concerning? I think so. Beer, cider, gin and whiskies were available and I’ll give a quick rundown…… Continue reading It’s a Belfast Custom
Northern Ireland now has 31 businesses registered as breweries (I’ll refrain from simply calling them all breweries – it’s complicated) and something that’s been on my mind for a while now is their beer quality – or lack of. In 2011 we had a mere five such businesses and it’s increased by over 500% in six years.…… Continue reading Belfast’s Fifth Quarter – who knew?
Before I start, please believe me that this isn’t a rant but more of a plea. I had the good fortune to be able to spend some time in the beautiful county of Fermanagh recently and was able to visit two bars/restaurants while there (which shall remain unnamed for now). Now two isn’t a lot…… Continue reading All the Gear But No Idea
Maybe Good Friday isn’t the best day to post an article about bacon *pulls awkward face* … but bacon beer. Is it a thing again? Regardless of the answer to that question, it can only be applauded. Some of you will no doubt be abhorred at the thought of it. “Beer should taste like beer!” I hear you…… Continue reading No Bull, It Hits the Spot
Two of Ireland’s better microbreweries recently came together for a collaboration brew. County Sligo’s The White Hag and County Donegal’s Kinnegar teamed up to produce The Hare and The Hag, a 6.5% ABV ‘Irish Coffee Nitro Stout’. A nitro stout should have a creamy and smooth texture when poured upside down from the bottle – few…… Continue reading From Wonderful to Woeful to Wooden Cask
Quare Swally 