Beer of the Week is O’Hara’s Irish Red Nitro, a terrific example of the style !

Beer of the Week

O’Hara’s Irish Red Nitro, 4.3% ABV, 400 ml can O’Briens Wine

Colour is one of the deepest ruby reds you are likely to see, and the head is off white and steady (especially after a robust pour!). Aromas come from the

malt including a hint of biscuit. The late addition of Mt. Hood hops is credited with adding an “unmistakable fruity and almost herbal quality” to the aromas. And the flavours come mostly from the same source as the aromas, the malt bringing its sweet caramel and that biscuit again. Really smooth in the mouth, excellent balance on the way to a comforting finish.

In this Nitro version, You’ll recognise the same great flavours of O’Hara’s Irish Red with trademark hints of sweet caramel and mild nutty biscuit, all amplified with a smooth creamy mouth feel and a nice warming finish. 

I’m still thinking nitro adds more to a red ale than to a stout.. It is a terrific example of the style gets a major thumbs up from this quarter. Very Highly Recommended.

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Food Pairing

Pairs well with baked and roasted main courses from the oven such as beef hotpot. Also excellent with winter soups. Delicious accompaniment to mature cheddar or soft goats cheeses. Serving temperature 6-8°C and use either an O’Hara’s tulip glass or the O’Hara’s conical glass. 

Brewer’s Note.

“The wonderful malty caramel notes and flavours found in our Irish Red come from a healthy addition of caramalt to the mashing process. The sweetness generated is balanced with dryness of the crystal malts. Visually the red colour is intensified by the finest roast barley, while subtle hop additions in the kettle give just the right bitterness and aroma to craft this distinctive Irish Red Ale. The nitrogenation process subtly mellows the flavours together and compliments with a smooth creamy texture.”

For the Geek

Style: Traditional Red Ale

ABV: 4.3%

Plato °: 10.75°

IBU: 34 

Fermentation: Top fermentation 

Serving Temperature: 6-8°C