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
Politicians, eh? Useless, most of them. As well as plunging us into half a billion pounds worth of debt, the reason why breweries in Northern Ireland are unable to sell directly from source is, well, politicians – plain and simple. If any brewery wants to set up a taproom for a day they need to jump through hoops…… Continue reading More Taprooms Needed in Northern Ireland!
In case you hadn’t noticed, it’s that time of year again. Apart from continuing the strange ritual of putting trees in our living rooms and seeing plenty of overweight men in ill-fitting red polyester/velvet outfits, mid December means a review of our favourite Northern Irish beer of the past twelve months. Of course I didn’t have every…… Continue reading My NI Faves of 2016
Some new releases recently so let’s get wired in. From Portrush’s co-operative brewery Lacada, branded as a North Coast IPA and recently pouring from cask at CAMRA’s Belfast Beer Festival, Devil’s Washtub. 5.2% ABV and actually a black IPA (perhaps this should be on the branding so not to scare anyone who’s expecting a golden…… Continue reading Ulster Newbies – from Mourne to Muff
Make no mistake, I love Portrush. It’s where the family would take day trips when I was a child and it’s where I now take my family for the same – driving the dodgem cars and sliding down the helter skelter at Barry’s amusements, eating a 10% meat (probably) sausage supper in a chippy and…… Continue reading Portrush – Land of Barry’s, Chips & Beer Festivals
Quare Swally 