On the Craft Trail with Whiplash, Wicklow Wolf and West Cork

On the Craft Trail with Whiplash, Wicklow Wolf and West Cork

Whiplash Slide Pale Ale, 5.0% ABV, 440 ml can Bradleys

This Whiplash Pale Ale has a hazy Light gold colour and a soft white head. There’s an immediate and lasting hit of dankness from the aromatics. On the palate, the big hitters are

pineapple from the Strata and passionfruit via the Galaxy. 

Another smooth customer from the busy Dublin brewer with a very satisfactory slightly bitter finish. “This banger settles as an all-nighter!,” they proclaim and I wouldn’t disagree. Very Highly Recommended.

Geek Bits

Malts:Pilsner Malt, Oat Malt, Wheat Malt

Hops - Strata, Galaxy,

EBC: 8

IBU: 18

ABV: 5%

Art by Shane O'Driscoll

Whiplash  Co-founders Alan and Alex met while working together at an Irish brewery. Alex, a homebrewer with a few steps into professional brewing through various previous projects, and Alan, an operations manager with a few long stints at large breweries behind them. At the brewery, work was moving at a breakneck pace, and Alex and Alan wanted to take it a bit easier with specials and one-off beers. To do this, they founded Whiplash as their own company and released a few beers in the first year (2016) to a great reception.

Wicklow Wolf Sugarloaf Juicy IPA, 4.3% ABV, 440 ml can Bradleys

A Taste of the Tropics from the Garden County

The Wicklow Wolf Sugarloaf Juicy IPA is an explosion of tropical flavour that will leave your taste buds craving more. This hazy golden ale bursts with a citrusy aroma, thanks to the quartet of Idaho 7, Chinook, Sabro, and Citra hops.

The tropical notes are front and centre, creating a refreshing and juicy experience. The malt base provides a subtle sweetness that balances the hops beautifully, resulting in a well-rounded and enjoyable beer.

With its lower ABV of 4.3%, Sugarloaf is the perfect session IPA, allowing you to linger a while with friends. Another well-made beer from the Wicklow aces and definitely one for your shortlist. Highly Recommended.

Geek Bits:

• Hops: Idaho 7, Chinook, Sabro, Citra
• Malts: Pale, Wheat Malt, Oats, Cara Ruby
• ABV: 4.3%

West Cork Cape Clear Lavender Ale, 4.5% ABV, 500 ml bottle, Bradleys

Scottish Ale with Lavender is the unusual style here. It looks much like a Red Ale and comes with the sweet scent of malt. The Lavender was not prominent in the aromas but came into its own on the palate, particularly towards the swallow (not that I’ve ever swallowed the plant!). 

It is pretty refreshing but its main role may be at the table. The crew in West Cork Brewing say it is “a new take on a traditional Wee Heavy” and advises pairing with pulled pork and “smoked goods”. At the same time, a Scottish source suggests Roasted items like root veggies, chicken or turkey and Cheese Cake desserts. Well worth a try especially if you’re a lavender fan.

The lavender itself comes from Cape Clear Lavender. By the way, West Cork use their own spring water. All their beers are unfiltered, unpasteurised and vegan friendly as only whirlfloc (carrageen moss tablets) is used to aid in clarification.

Lavender has quite a few uses including lavender soaps, candles, and body sprays and its aromas may help you drift off to sleep.  In fact it has taken off as a mini-industry in the area and, aside from the beer, is also used in a gin at the local Cape Clear Distillery.