IT was, to paraphrase Homer Simpson, like being a kid in some kind of store. The Belfast Craft Beer Festival at Custom House Square showcased some of Ireland’s best breweries.
And with around 20 in attendance, and each offering on average four or five different brews, the choice was dazzling.
Beers from all over Ireland, bottled, on tap and cask – every taste catered for, and with many brewers having to rotate their many beers around a few taps, new choices were popping up throughout the day and night.
It was also great to have a chat with some of the people behind these great beers and gain an insight into their enthusiasm and innovation. Brewers such as Tom Ray from Mourne Mountains, revealed their passion for beer and the constant quest to try something different and evolve in a market with an increasingly discerning clientele while trying to attract new converts to the craft beer world.
Brewers are never happy standing still and while they proudly poured beers from their core range, they are always thinking of new ideas, making brewing one of Ireland’s most innovative industries.
I managed to sample O’Hara’s new session IPA Opsession, which went down a treat with some pie and mash from Jolly Pies. One of my favourites from the festival was Kinnegar’s Black Bucket – a black rye IPA which the dazzling Donegal brewers bill as a big brother to their Rustbucket Rye Ale.
Bursting with character, Black Bucket had a well rounded, smooth mouthfeel, an initial malty flavour from the rye and roasted malts,a hint of spiciness and then a flavourful hop finish. It packs more of punch than Rust Bucket – which is itself a complex and satisfying ale – with a 6.5 per cent ABV.
THE Silverbirch Hotel in Omagh is the venue for the North West Brew Fest today between 4pm and 10pm. Top notch brews from Pokertree Brewing, Hillstown Brewing, Farmageddon, North Bound Brewery, Long Meadow Cider and Red Hand Brewing will be on offer so be sure to bring a thirst. Pokertree’s Seven Sisters Treacle Oat Stout is a standout for me while the Farmageddon IPA is another satisfying sup.
WHAT ARE YOU DRINKING?
Great response this week to a request for the brews which are going down well with you.
Sean Harland gave a big thumbs up to Hen, Cock and Pigeon Rock, an English-style bitter from Whitewater Brewery.
Let me know what you’re drinking by tweeting me @pmcconville77 or emailing p.mcconville@irishnews.com.