THE state of politics on both sides of the Atlantic lately would drive you to drink. So it is sobering, so to speak, to see elected officials in Ireland seizing the 'hopportunity' – if I may borrow the phrase from Labour TD Alan Kelly – to capitilise on the growing craft beer business.
Mr Kelly introduced a craft brewers bill to the Dail this week which is aimed at allowing breweries and distilleries to sell their well-crafted produce on their own premises, opening up all sorts for hospitality and tourism.
Just as last week's Belfast Beer and Cider Festival was kicking off in the Ulster Hall, a group of MLAs were sitting down with local brewers and members of Camra NI who are pushing for a similar change in the law up north.
It was a fitting setting for such a meeting as the array of Irish beers at Northern Ireland's oldest beer festival is now on a par with those making their way across the Irish Sea from England, Scotland and Wales.
By the time I got to wet my whistle on Saturday evening, there were a fair number of drained casks and kegs, but there was still a startling array of them piled up ready to refresh eager beer fans.
I sampled all manner of flavoured porter, from smoked chilli, honey and damson. But a few Irish beers stood out for me.
Amber Ella from the Cork-based 8 Degrees was the first across my palate, which probably puts it at and advantage, but it was a wonderfully balanced, flavourful ale.
A toffee, malty base, on which dance fruity citrusy flavours before a sharp but satisfiying hoppy finish.
:: THE festivals just keep coming: if you're in the north-west, why not support the local beer scene there by taking yourself along to Sippy Fest this weekend at Derry's Guildhall.
More than 15 brewers will be there as well as fine food and local music.
:: AS THE cold weather starts to really bite, why not treat yourself with a beer advent calendar featuring top brews from the likes of Mikkeller, Siren, Beavertown, Buxton, Tool and Evil Twin?
Prohibtion will be running a 'drink along' on Twitter as well through December with the #WeWantBeer hashtag.
Advent calendars are priced £85 and available by emailing orders@prohibitiondrinks.co.uk.
