On the craft trail in the west with a session of Lough Gill, Western Herd and Galway Bay

On the Wild Atlantic Way craft trail with a session of Lough Gill, Western Herd and Galway

 Lough Gill Sligo Bay Pale Ale APA, 4.6% ABV, 440 ml can Matsons

This white-soft-topped American Pale ale is pale gold and quite hazy. It is brewed in Sligo with a mix of cereals and American hops for a hop-forward yet

malt-supported flavour. Bright and hoppy and Highly Recommended.

Aromas are moderate, led by citrus. Well balanced, as the makers indicate, between hops and malt, and deeply refreshing with a dry finish.

The independent family-run brewery, established in 2016 by James Ward, is nestled close to the shores of Lough Gill, Co. Sligo. Since then, the team has continued producing high-quality, exciting beers, ranging from bold stouts to brave sours.

The water, along with the name, comes from nearby Lough Gill. It is not the first brewery for James and wife Valerie. Their initial venture, the White Hag, was the first brewery in Sligo for the best part of a century. After a couple of years, they sold it to its investor group and launched Lough Gill with Anderson’s Ale in November 2016.

Western Herd County Clare Pale Ale, 4.2% ABV, 440 ml can Matsons

Western Herd’s Count Clare has a clear golden colour and a soft foamy head. Their twist, though, emerges on the palate, where the malts are toned down a bit, and the hops are dialled up. This is the American way. And the County Clare is Highly Recommended.

The Clare Brewery gives the background: Pale Ales became popular in England in the 1700s when they began making beers with only, or nearly only, pale malts. Originally very pale, the beer may now range in colour from pale golden to deep amber or copper. While hops play a key role in the original English style, they are typically subtle and meant to balance the rich malt character. In the much newer American take on Pale Ale, the malt character is downplayed, allowing the flavour and bitterness of the hops to come forward.

Western Herd has come up with yet another well-made, well-balanced beer. It is crisp and refreshing, and as they say themselves, it is “perfect for long, lazy days soaking up the sun on the West Coast, kicking back with a few friends.” I think it would be welcome on any coast, even inland.

Geek Bits

Style
Pale Ale

Colour/Appearance
Golden in colour, crystal clear

Aroma
Slight tropical fruits, citrus and pine

Flavour
Soft citrus, melon, soft pine, background sweetness.

Hops
Citra, Simco, Idaho 7

Malts
Pale, Stout mix, White wheat, CaraPils, CaraHell

Yeast
House

Original Gravity
1.045

% ABV
4.2%

The Best Bit: Visit Flanagans Bar and Restaurant in Lahinch for the immersive Western Herd experience!

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Galway Bay Lush Extra Pale Ale, 4.3% ABV, 440 ml can Bradleys 

Had this as Beer of the Week earlier in the year. It is a cracker and was Beer of the Week in March. If you wish, you can see the review here