Secrets of Burren Brewery and the wild yeast that led to "Euphoria", with more on beers, wines and spirits in Cheers #11

The secrets of brewing - Burren Brewery

Peter in a still from the video

How Peter Curtin gathered the wild yeast that led to the amazing "Euphoria"

Check out the video here

More on beers, wines and spirits in Cheers #11

 Blacks of Kinsale may be filling casks of whiskey these days

but have just announced a new beer!

taste! Light and refreshing with Mango, Pineapple and Grapefruit Perfect for the summer, whenever it arrives! Details on the whiskey and the beer here.

Drink Pink. That's The Summertime Message from O'Briens WinE

By Lynne Coyle MW | O'Briens Wine Director says Rosé is most definitely the hottest wine trend this summer. Rain, hail or shine its popularity knows no bounds. Whether still or sparkling, with or without food, of the palest pink or a darker hue, rosé wine is making itself known at every wine drinking occasion.

Almost all red grapes can be made into a rosé wine, the grapes used are usually the traditional grapes grown in the region of origin. The styles are varied and the wines versatility and pinkness only adds to their charm; get drinking pink this summer with a selection of our press recommended rosés. Read more here.

O'Hara's Launch New Tropical IPA
Introducing our latest beer to Ireland - Tropical IPA - A 7.2% IPA bursting with tropical flavours of tangerine, papaya, citrus and mango. More info on their Facebook page

Waterford Distillery Bring Forward New Single Farm Origins.

After the rather unexpected success of our first commercial bottlings, which sold out within a matter of hours in major retailers across Europe, we have brought forward four new whisky bottlings to meet demand. Will be available from specialist retailers from the end of July 2020 onwards. Website: https://waterfordwhisky.com/

In flight above the Langhe with brunch in a winery. Barolo from above!

I'll be staycationing this year but here's one that just might tempt me away......

In Balloon organizes turistic hot air balloon flights, one of the most unique, original and emotionals ways to live a trip experience. We leave from the artistic Commune of Barolo surrounded by the suggestive Langhe, World Heritage Site protected by UNESCO.

More details here

Two Winners from Wines Direct Mystery Case!

Two Winners from Wines Direct Mystery Case!

Treated myself to a 12-bottle Mystery Case from Wines Direct a couple of months back and it worked out very well indeed. The two below are each highly recommended. No big surprise I suppose that the Carmenere went down well but delighted that the German Pinot Blanc exceeded expectations.

Korta Gran Reserva Carmenere Lontue Valley Chile 2017, 14%,  Wines Direct

Colour’s a deep ruby. Big fruity nose. Soft and easy-drinking, good balance of fruit and acidity, hints of the oak, still a little tannic grip, but an excellent mouthful and soft and persistent finish as well. Highly Recommended. Pair with Pork and Poultry, Hearty Roots, Game, Beef and Lamb.

Winemaker is Irene Paiva: “When I started making wine, there were very few women working in the business.” Nowadays, some 35% of the oenologists and enology students in Chile are women. Today Irene is often listed as one of the most influential business leaders in Chile. And she is also a founding member of MOVI (an association of independent winemakers, usually artisans and working on a small scale).

Carmenere? Is that a Chilean grape? You may well ask. The answer is yes, now. But it did start in Bordeaux and was more or less lost in the tangled vines of history, even mistaken for Merlot for one long period and, indeed, it was as late as 1994 that this “Merlot” was properly re-identified as Carmenere. It is very much at home in Chile, enjoying the high levels of sunshine and the warm summer, as you can see and taste with this bottle..

You don’t hear of the Lontue Valley that often. It is a region of the Curico Valley, about 200km south of Santiago and, according to Santa Rita, “some of Chile’s best white grapes are grown here”. Some good red ones too, it appears!

Bender Weissburgunder Mosel 2018, 13%, €18.25 Wines Direct

Light gold colour, lots of little bubbles clinging to the glass. Pleasantly aromatic (not assertively so), blossom and white fruit. Silky smooth on the palate, beautiful high acidity to match the assertive fruit as it washes across the surprised taste buds. Very engaging indeed and Highly Recommended.

This Weissburgunder (Pinot Blanc) is produced from 30-year-old vines harvested on steep slopes with slate soils. It is partly barrique aged. Importers Wines Direct recommend pairing with: Spicy Food, Pork and Poultry, Light Fish and Shellfish, Fresh Greens. Serve at 9-10 degrees.

Have you ever tried an English Pinot Blanc? Me neither but there are apparently good examples in Kent and Sussex. While the grape is well connected (Pinot Noir among its close relatives), it is “one of the wine world’s genuine Cinderellas”, according to Grapes & Wines. But they do appreciate it in the Alsace and Germany. And it is, with Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, one of the constituent grapes of Italy’s Franciacorta, an excellent sparkling wine from Lombardy.

“With my wines, I want to appeal not only to connoisseurs, but above all to young and urban audiences.” Reckon with wines of this quality, he’ll draw some of the older drinkers as well!

Imperial Hotel Launches ‘Thyme at Seventy Six on the Mall’

The Imperial Hotel, Cork, announces launch of a brand-new Brasserie…

‘Thyme at Seventy Six on the Mall’

Bastien Peyraud, General Manager at The Imperial Hotel 

Regional producers, charity partnerships, and a sustainable approach

During the closure for the COVID-19 lockdown, the hard-working team at The Imperial Hotel, Cork, were busy putting the final preparations in place for the opening of a stylish new brasserie at the hotel: Thyme at Seventy Six on The Mall, which is officially now open.

With the introduction of excellent cocktails using high-quality Irish liquor from Killahora Orchards, ornate bird cages inspired by The English Market, and quirky desserts by the famous duo Ber and Becky, The Imperial’s offering has evolved into something modern, dynamic, and fun.

The emphasis is on regional, seasonal, and sustainable, and is in line with the hotel’s recent ‘Because We Care’ programme, which was launched as a response to COVID-19. Sourcing from their neighbours is important, not only to support the local economy, but also to minimize their carbon footprint, and the impact on the environment.

Charity donations have been built into Thyme’s menu, with a €1 donation on a selection of menu items. Each time these items are ordered, a donation will be made to The Cork Simon Community and The Irish Guide Dogs.

Executive Head Chef, Jerome Joyce, is working with a vast array of suppliers from County Cork and Cork’s famous English Market, which is located a mere 400m from the hotel’s front door. Ballycotton Seafood, Tom Durcan meats, and the world-renowned Fingal Ferguson’s Gubbeen Smokehouse, to name but a few.

The new menus feature Ballycotton Seafood Platters, Irish Gigas Oysters, and The English Market’s Fish of the Day, as well as some delicious cuts of local Hereford Ribeye on the Bone, the classic fillet, and Farrell’s of Midleton Lamb Cutlets. Desserts include a wonderfully light selection of Café Gourmand, and decadent treats like Hazelnut and Chocolate Cookie Fries, Pornstar Martini Cake, and Kinder Bueno Éclairs.

Bastien Peyraud, General Manager at The Imperial Hotel says: “We are so passionate about supporting our local economy here at The Imperial Hotel and Thyme was designed with that as the main focus. Supporting our local farmers and producers, and donating to our local charities, is at the forefront of what we want to achieve. We want to do business in a way that makes us really proud. We also want to create a really fun experience for our guests so we will also have live music every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings.

We are so excited to unveil ‘Thyme’ to our guests and we look forward to welcoming you back to the Grande Dame of Cork”

Thyme at Seventy Six on the Mall is now open for reservations Monday to Sunday from 5pm til late. For reservations call 021- 4274040. www.imperialhotelcork.ie

press release

All Calm and Comfortable in Cornstore "Comeback". And Well Fed Too.

All Calm and Comfortable in Cornstore "Comeback"

And Well Fed Too. 

Up and running at The Cornstore

You almost pass the hand sanitiser station on the way in. You almost reach out a hand to shake that of a staff member friend you haven’t seen in a while. This new normal takes a bit of getting used to -  just a little bit. At least that’s the way it was last Thursday as Cork’s Cornstore made a pitch-perfect return after the long days of the lockdown. 

The restaurant's crew, even behind their face shields, played a blinder, exhibiting a smiling calmness and courtesy all evening as they got it up and running and made us all feel at home. Terrific service, the usual high standard of food and drink, plus very comfortable spacing between customers, had us all relaxed in no time, not that we were in any way apprehensive as we walked into the splendid Cornmarket Street venue. 

We had booked and were soon shown to our table. Of course, we also had a look around, at least in our immediate vicinity. There was a table to our left and that looked about the right distance away - I wasn’t doing any measurements, no interest in 1.9m or 2.1m. The one to our right was much closer but there was a more than adequate glass or plexiglass panel between us. 

The middle row of tables in that section has been removed. All the available tables were soon filled, a lovely buzz of conversation gradually built up as we were ordering from a pretty comprehensive new menu. There was a time limit on the table but never once was there a sense of being rushed, quite the comfortable contrary actually.

While it was our first night out since early March, we weren’t about to go all out as we still had a private engagement later on. And so we decided to share the starter. The Spicy Chicken Wings is  a tradition here and we could see why as we got our hands good and sticky with the superb celery and blue cheese dip that came with the tasty wings (11.50). 

Starters range from Goats Cheese Crostini to Prawns Pil Pil and include Duck Liver Parfait, Burrata, Classic Mussels, and Fillet Beef Carpaccio. No shortage of choice. And that choice continues through the mains which feature their renowned steaks plus a daily fish board and much more. 

I was looking hard at the Classic Fillet Beef Stroganoff before switching attention to the steak, all sourced from local suppliers and all their steak cuts have been dry-aged with Himalayan salt. My choice was the 8 ounce Fillet (€21.00), a perfectly delicious piece of meat and perfectly cooked to order. No less than six sauces available and I went, for a change, with the Field Mushroom and Jameson Whiskey one, a gem.

Exterior of the Cornstore (from last February)

CL was tempted by the Oven Roast salmon before settling for the Confit Duck Leg. She got quite a plateful as the leg came with sautéed baby potatoes, chorizo, pak choi, red onion marmalade and hoisin sauce. You could see the kitchen made quite an effort with this one and she enjoyed one of the best duck confit dishes we’ve come across in a long while. They offer quite a list of sides here, everything from Proper Chips to Blackened Cauliflower Mornay to Grilled Asparagus (from 4.00 to 5.50).

And do take a look at the Pizza section. We got a tip on this but a little too late on this occasion. Maybe next time. And the pizza will come in handy too during the late weekend nights when the Cornstore hosts The Night Lounge (from 10.30pm). They range in price from 15 to 19 euro. 

We did see, from a nearby table, that they are massive. Here’s two descriptions, just to give you an idea. The Farm (16.00): Goats cheese, poached baby pears, roast peppers, toasted pecan nuts and whiskey maple syrup. The Ploughman (18): Pulled Pork, Parma ham, olive oil, mozzarella cheese, with fried pickles and Dijonnaise sauce!

Cornstore Cocktails have always been excellent and they list a few on the main menu including the Irish Penicillin (Jameson, Connemara, craft diner liquor, honey and fresh lime juice). 

No shortage of red and white wines, plus sparkling  of course. We two settled for the beer though, thanks to our server who came up with a couple of bottles of the excellent Kinsale Pale Ale from Blacks Brewery in Kinsale. I love to support local and there’s no hardship in this case as the KPA is really top notch.

And, speaking of top notch, well done again to Mike and his team in the Cornstore on a seamless superb return to action in the kitchen, the bar and front of house. Thanks for looking after us all so well in what was a very pleasing and comfortable experience all round. A bientôt!

The Cornstore Cork 

Knockadoon Cliff Walks

Knockadoon Walks, East Cork.

Welcome to Knockadoon

Knockadoon is a small rural peninsula, close to the seaside town of Youghal in County Cork. Take care, and watch out for walkers in particular, as you make your way through the narrow roads to the pier. From there, you have a choice of two walks, the Capel Way Coastal Trail towards the west (made up of two loops, 2.5km and 6km) and, towards the east, you may take the Barry's Cove Way.

From the pier itself, you can look across to Youghal nd you see more of that area if you take Barry's Cove Way. On the other hand, if you head west, you'll soon pass Capel Island, then an old Signal Tower. All the while, the ocean is to your left. Later again, views of Ballycotton and its lighthouse open up.

You'll start here by the pier. Youghal, and the mouth of the River Blackwater, are directly across from the pier.

Lots of wildflowers grow quite close to the path. Many kinds of birds are seen too, from big hungry looking seagulls to busy little sparrows, and they keep you company. And don't forget to look inland as well where the landscape changes from season to season. Do bring a bottle of water and perhaps a little snack and take a break. There are a few seats along the way.

Capel Island

On the road down to the pier (from earlier trip), all other pics July 1st 2020

On the lookout

The old ruined signal tower. The towers were part of an all-island coastal defence system constructed in the early 19th century. The one in Kinsale (near the Old Head) has been restored and is open to the public.

The island, with Ballycotton Lighthouse.  The village is on the mainland to the right of the island.

Don't forget to take the odd look inland!

A crop of barley. July 1st, 2020

Pictures from a 2019 walk here.

press release
Pascal Recalls Le Caveau's 21 Year Journey

Le Caveau, a 21 year-long journey in six landmark wines

When we opened our doors for the first time, on the Market Yard, Kilkenny in the middle of September 1999, our selection consisted of wines sourced from diverse Irish wine importers, a fridge full of cheeses, salamis, patés and our own wine imports. These wine imports were sourced from family-owned and run vineyards, exclusively from France for the first couple of years. Chef Takashi Miyazaki (left) with Pascal Rossignol of Le Caveau in the Old Apple Market, Cork The South-West of France took the lion’s share of our selection, at one stage we had 8 different wines from the village of Cahors, 5 or 6 from the Madiran region, few from Bergerac and a couple of from Jurançon. Out of a total of around 36 wines we imported directly, we had to urgently re-think and re-balance the provenance of our offering! We are still working with 4 of the original South-Western estates, Château du Cèdre in Cahors is one of them. Wonderful ‘French Malbec’ produced by the Verhaege brothers from their biodynamically managed 26-ha vineyards. If you haven’t tasted Château du Cèdre, Cahors yet, this is a must try. Of course, hailing from the village of Gevrey-Chambertin, Burgundy also received a very special treatment, and represented about a third of our entire selection in these early days. One wine in particular, which we discovered with the help of my brother Hubert (who was working with Domaine Vincent Girardin at the time) came from the village of Dezize-les-Maranges. Jean-Claude Regnaudot always worked in his own way, in the 80’s and early 90’s when wines from Maranges, south of Côte de Beaune, where mostly sold in bulk to negociant houses, growers were focusing on producing quantity, rather than quality, but Jean-Claude is a perfectionist who love work well done, so quality was always in his mind. Jean-Claude Regnaudot Bourgogne Pinot Noir brought us our first newspaper review – Tom Doorley, writing for the Sunday Tribune at the time wrote: ‘The best red Bourgogne I have ever tasted’. With our shop only opened a months earlier, this did help putting us on the map. That was vintage 1998, we are now selling the 2018 – another landmark! One of our best-selling white in these early days came from Alsace, from Domaine Meyer-Fonné to be precise. His Alsace Pinot Blanc was brought to our attention by a friend, sommelier in France and by an article in the Revue des Vins de France magazine, where Journalist Thierry Desseauve wrote: ‘ Year in, year out, this wine is a contender for the best value white in the whole of France’. In 2006, we discovered the wonders of wines made naturally, from organic grapes and most importantly with nothing added in them. From the first flight we landed in Ireland, Elena Pantaleoni’s La Stoppa Trebbiolo encapsulated to perfection what these ‘free-wines’ (Vins libres) were all about. Vineyards free from chemical, wines free from additives and hard manipulations, resulting in wines that feel alive and invigorating. Another wine brought in during this period, and has been our best-seller ever since, is Gran Credo Tempranillo from Rioja. Gonzalo Gonzalo Grijalba produces this vibrant and juicy wine from the healthiest of fruit, gently pressed and with no oak-aging. And to finish, a sparkling we seem unable to keep in, from a producer based in France’s Bergerac region with whom we have been working from the very beginning. Tour des Gendres, Pét-Nat (Pétillant Naturel) made by Luc de Conti. As so many others, the above 6 vignerons have become very good friends over the years; they are true artisans, who love and care for their land and enjoy what they are doing. Sláinte! Buy the above 6 wines in a case (€218.00 - Save 15% - 12 bottles, 2 bottles of each) Many thanks for reading, keep safe. Pascal & Le Caveau Team Along our wine journey, we met and worked with some truly wonderful people. Sadly, two of these marvelous characters passed away recently. Our hearts were broken when we heard the very sad new about Claire O’Boyle-Gallagher’s passing. Claire was a wonderful person, so kind, so considerate of others, always willing to share her vast knowledge and help others progress in work and in life. We knew Claire for 16 years, from the first day we met, while delivering Celtic Whiskey shop, she was remarkably kind, helpful and respectful. Claire joined Le Caveau in 2005, 13 years working together, when she unquestionably put Le Caveau on the map of Dublin City and beyond. Anyone working with us at the time had only admiration and respect for her and her work. This includes customers and competition as well, all unanimously enjoyed and looked forward to meeting Claire. And the last few years, when she fought her illness with such courage and optimism. Claire will remain forever an inspiration to us all, we will miss her company, smile and kindness, so dearly. May she rest in peace, our thoughts and heart are with David, Laurence and extended family. We had the pleasure and joy to meet the multi-talented, witty and charming Tomás Clancy, wine writer with the Sunday Business Post at wine tastings and wine events over the years. We will always remember his encyclopaedic knowledge, on so many diverse subjects, his intelligence, his humour and warm kindness. Tomás has been a supporter of Le Caveau from the word go, we feel privileged to have met him. May he rest in peace.

Three of the best Irish Summer Staycations

press release

ROUND UP OF THE TOP THREE IRISH SUMMER STAYCATIONS

 

Cahernane House

CAHERNANE HOUSE HOTEL, KILLARNEY, KERRY

The Killarney Secret Trails package (€379.50 per person sharing) will allow guests the chance to explore some of Killarney’s (Co. Kerry) most beautiful nature trails.  Neighbours include the magnificent Muckross Abbey, a 15^th century monastery and Muckross House which is the sister property of Cahernane House and was once the residence of Henry Herbert’s brother, the original owner of the house.

Emer Corridan, General Manager of Cahernane House Hotel said, “Traditionally, Killarney is extremely busy all summer with visitors who follow well known tourist trails and who tend to flock to the same places.  In these strange times we live in now, we want to offer our guests the chance to explore some lesser known, quieter beauty spots and will provide maps to some secret trails, such as The Blue Pool, Governor’s Rock, Reenadrina and Killegy Woods. We also hope to show people a different part of Killarney and offer our visitors a chance to rediscover this beautiful part of the world.”  The Killarney Secret Trails package includes three-nights’ accommodation with breakfast each morning, welcome tea and scones on arrival, a 3-course dinner on two evenings with a pre -dinner glass of Prosecco. A picnic lunch is also included on two days for guests to enjoy while they explore some of Killarney’s lesser known, ‘secret trails’.

For more details or to book the Killarney Secret Trails package see www.cahernane.com or call Cahernane House Hotel on +353 (064) 6631895.

LYRATH ESTATE, KILKENNY

The Lyrath Estate Staycation Package at the Five-Star Lyrath Estate in Kilkenny is available as a 2,3- or 5-night package and includes bed and breakfast, lunch, tea and cake and dinner each evening (from €400 per adult sharing). The170 acre estate offers guests a myriad of outdoor activities to enjoy in its new ‘staycation’ packages including archery, fishing, and learning how to fly your own bird of prey.  There are also skincare talks, yoga classes, whiskey tastings, cocktail making classes and cooking with the chef in the outdoor, covered BBQ pavilion.  Other facilities at the luxury resort include a swimming pool and gym, the award-winning Oasis Spa, several restaurants, and bars and even a private cinema. 

If you have been home schooling and stuck at home with bored children, then look no further than the Lyrath Estate Summer Family Break.  This summer make some five-star memories with your children without having to lift a finger yourself! Children will love the swimming pool, games room, fairy trail, complimentary bicycles, playground, zip wire and the mini football pitch.  If it is a wet day the hotel’s 22-seater private cinema can be booked out for a private family cinema viewing. The Lyrath Estate Summer Family Break costs €210 per adult sharing and includes two nights bed and breakfast and dinner on one evening for the adults.  Interconnecting rooms are available, while the cost for children, sharing with their parents aged between 4-12 is charged at just €25 per night.

If you are looking for a romantic break away and an opportunity to reconnect with your loved one, you could choose the ‘Your Summer Story Package’ (€210 per adult sharing). It includes two nights bed and breakfast, dinner on one evening and cream tea on an afternoon of your choice. 

To book your great five-star Kilkenny Escape now log on to www.lyrath.com or call + 353 (0) 56 7760088.

TULFARRIS HOTEL AND GOLF RESORT, BLESSINGTON, CO. WICKLOW

-ENJOY THE ROYAL TREATMENT AT THE EXCLUSIVE MANOR HOUSE AT TULFARRIS HOTEL AND GOLF RESORT-

The Manor House at Tulfarris Hotel and Golf Resort in Blessington, Co. Wicklow (Ireland) dates back over 200 years but the origins of the estate on which it stands can be traced back to the 12^th century. Situated on the shores of the stunning Blessington Lakes the house has been a private home to noble families, military leaders and to sports stars. You can now be part of the history and story of Tulfarris and experience all of the splendour that this beautiful ‘Grand Dame’ has to offer as the 18^th Century, Manor House at Tulfarris Hotel and Golf Resort is now available for exclusive hire.

In these strange pandemic times exclusive hire can often be an attractive option for families who want to come together but still remain within their own small group.  The Manor House at Tulfarris provides people with a unique opportunity to holiday together but apart from others. It is also extremely rare to find a property that offers complete privacy, yet offers a full service complete with extensive dining offerings.

With its classic Georgian design and elegant proportions, the house has been completely restored to bring it back to its former glory.  It now includes 7 luxurious bedrooms which have been decorated in heritage colours and fabrics, evocative of the style in which the house was built. Modern and contemporary facilities and comforts have been sympathetically added to the old building while not impinging on its historical design.

On the ground floor there are two elegant reception rooms, a library and a dining room, which offer relaxed spaces for families and friends to gather. The spectacular dining room can seat 14 people for dinner and provides an elegant space for friends to gather and enjoy a private dinner.  The various drawing rooms with their Italian marble fireplaces are comfortable spots to sit and enjoy an after-dinner drink or a chat or simply to lounge around, reading, watching movies, or playing family board games.

The exclusive hire of the Manor House at Tulfarris includes bed and breakfast, private dining in the drawing room a half a bottle of wine per person and a prosecco reception on arrival.  Breakfast is also served in the drawing room so that guests staying at the Manor House do not need to go to the main hotel during their stay if they so wish. 

Children will love to explore the vast estate which surrounds the Manor House which is home to foxes, rabbits, otters, squirrels and deer which walk freely around the estate.  Little touches such as milk and cookies at turndown service, board games and arts and craft materials for children are popular with the little ones and help make special memories. The cost for the exclusive hire of the 7-bedroom Manor House to include bed, breakfast and dinner is €3,010 per night.

Amuse Bouche

via Pixabay

Then came the larger dishes - stuffed Strasbourg tongues, with their red, varnished look, the colour of blood next to the pallor of the sausages and pigs’ trotters; strings of black pudding coiled like harmless snakes; andouilles piled up in twos and bursting with health; saucissons in little silver copes that made them look like choristers; pies, hot from the oven, with little banner-like tickets stuck in them; big hams, and great cuts of veal and pork, whose jelly was as limpid as crystallised sugar.

from The Belly of Paris by Emile Zola (1873). Translation by Brian Nelson (2007). Very Highly Recommended.