Cheers on Beer, Wine and Spirits. Frost In France At Chateau Feely. Also Greenes, White Hag, O'Briens Wine, BeerCloud, Wines of the World, Legacy Cider

Cheers on Beer, Wine and Spirits. Frost In France With Chateau Feely.  #210415

Also Greenes, White Hag, O'Briens Wine, BeerCloud, Wines of the World, Legacy Cider, Bertha's Revenge, Corkscrew 

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Frost in France. Very Interesting update from Carlo at Chateau Feely. Great Read!

Smoke funnels created by bales of hay being burned by neighbours to try to ward off the frost 

 

Given the interest in the unfolding frost saga we also published a post yesterday with details of why it is happening and what it means for you and us as humans on planet earth.

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Greenes host Meet the Wine Maker event, Friday 30th April €75.00 for 2

We have teamed up with wine house 'Di Filippo' from the Marche region in Italy for another great night of food and wine tasting. This is an online Zoom wine tasting hosted by our Manager/Sommelier Frank (left), with the wine maker himself explaining his wines and the opportunity for Q&A. The evening will include 2 bottles of wine (white & red), Artisan Cheeses, Charcuterie, Condiments & Bread. This event will sell out fast so be sure to book fast! More info via https://greenesrestaurant.com/ 

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White Hag Go Lidl

We’ve got great news - this week see’s our first ever nationwide retail listing in Ireland. Three of our core range beers are going to be available in every Lidl in the 26 counties. Little Fawn, Phantom and Ninth Wave are all taking to the shelves in a handy 4-pack. It may seem like a small cause for celebration, but it means a lot to the brewery and to craft beer in Ireland. 

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In celebration of our upcoming annual French Wine Sale, (starting Tuesday 27th April) we are delighted to invite you to join us for a Burgundy deep-dive with Owner Winemakers Thibaut Marion of Seguin-Manuel & Antoine Olivier of Domaine Antoine Olivier, hosted by O'Briens Wine Director Lynne Coyle Master of Wine.

Whilst tasting along with Antoine and Thibaut, they will describe their elegant wines, share some of their vineyard stories and give us a taste of their Burgundian lifestyle.

Your event tasting pack will include 4 bottles of wine. All the details here

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BeerCloud

Here's a reason for April cheer! We love our sweet Beer Community and are offering a sweet 5% discount on The Handmade Chocolate Box. This is a subscriber exclusive! All you have to do is use the code HCB5 at checkout and cha-ching!

The Handmade Chocolate Box is a collection of 12 excellent craft beers selected by BeerCloud staff accompanied by a delicious handmade chocolate box by by Michael Donegan of Kilbeggan Handmade Chocolates.
Ain't no combination better than this!

*This offer is strictly while stocks last and expires on April 30th, 2021 @ 11:59pm

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Wines of the World.

Fancy a virtual wine tasting and food pairing?

 

We have teamed up with the Tiny Turnip and are offering a virtual wine tasting and food pairing for the May Bank Holiday weekend. The Tiny Turnip offers grazing boxes with a mix of meats, cheese and crackers – we have selected a white, rosé and red wine to pair with the grazing box.

Want to know more on how you can get your hands on one? Click here to read more and order yours now. This virtual tasting will be shared on socials on Friday April 30^th at 7pm.

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Legacy Cider Get In The Spirit

In collaboration with West Waterford Festival of Food, we are hosting a craft cider tasting party!

Get ready to have the apple craic… Join Liam McDonnell of West Waterford’s legendary Legacy Irish Cider and James O’Donoghue of LongWays Cider Co. for this all grown up Cider Party. Get into seriously good spirits, as this live Zoom session explores tasting notes of a range of craft ciders with recommended food pairings, plus party games to keep the fun flowing, and keep you on your toes. More details here

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Finding Bertha's Revenge

THERE ARE MANY WAYS . . .

If you are looking to get your hands on some

Bertha's Revenge Gin

, you can buy directly from us if you are in Ireland. Click here: https://shop.ballyvolanespirits.ie/

Or check if your local off-licence has it or can source it from us. Guide here: https://ballyvolanespirits.ie/where-to-buy-our-gin/

And if you are further afield, you will find international stockists here too: https://ballyvolanespirits.ie/where-to-buy-our-gin/

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Corkscrew Make A Case For World Malbec Day.

A Good Case. With Discount!

All the details and order form here

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Two Heartily Recommended Wines. A Pinot Blanc from Alsace, a Sangiovese from Montepulciano

Two Heartily Recommended Wines. A Pinot Blanc from Alsace, a Sangiovese from Montepulciano

Meyer-Fonné Pinot Blanc Vieilles Vignes Alsace (AC) 2018, 12.5%

€20.65 64 Wine Dublin, Bradley’s of Cork, Greenman Dublin, Le Caveau Kilkenny

Seductive aromas of pear, peach and almond announce this beautiful pale straw coloured Pinot Blanc from Meyer-Fonné of the Alsace. A touch of sweetness, also on the nose, is found too on the palate, where white fruit, rich and fresh and smoky, is surrounded by a refreshing minerality. Precision, depth, purity all combine here. Delicious and moreish, with a very clean finish, this is Very Highly Recommended. Very good value too by the way.

Wine Folly says it will match up well with soft cheeses, salads with cream dressings and flaky fish (eg cod). Personally, I think it would have not problem with salmon or trout.

Le Caveau: Pinot Blanc Vieilles Vignes comes from a plot of old vines, it acts like Pinot Gris on the nose — rich, oily apricot and pear fruit— but the touch of white pepper and taste of freshly squeezed oranges is classic Pinot Blanc. A house pour at a number of Ireland's Michelin starred restaurants over the past 15 years. A sure fire hit each and every bottle opened.

Félix Meyer himself has come in for high praise.

"Félix Meyer is one of the more ambitious and successful young vignerons of Alsace.” Wine Advocate.

“ ... Félix Meyer still has humility, still has a sense of wonder, and is still capable of self-criticism. He is a seeker and a perfectionist. He is a terroirist, and when he speaks of a granitic soil, the wine in your glass tastes of it.”
Kermit Lynch, US importer.

No chemical fertiliser is used in the running of the vineyard, “only compost we make ourselves using raw materials derived from organic farming. Calcium and magnesian limestone is spread each year on the granitic soil terroirs to prevent acidification.”

Innocenti Rosso di Montepulciano (DOC) 2015, 13.5%, 

€19.35 64 Wine Dublin, Bradley’s of Cork, Greenman Dublin, Le Caveau Kilkenny

Light and bright ruby colour. Gloriously aromatic, with cherry and plum to the fore, forest fruits and herbal notes in the mix as well. It is medium to full-bodied; that warm fruit is there, some spice too, a lick of wood, really well balanced. Fine-grained tannins noticeable on a long and very dry finish. With a little more weight than your typical Tuscan red, this is easy-drinking and Very Highly Recommended.

I think we’ve all been confused at one time or another by Montepulciano on an Italian wine bottle. It is the name of a grape and of a town in Italy. According to Wine-Searcher.com the grape was named after the town and was once widely grown there.

Nowadays, the grape has found another home in Abruzzo (Abruzzo is a large area on the east coast), hence Montepulciano d’Abruzzo.  In the late 20th and early 21st century, Montepulciano d'Abruzzo earned a reputation as being one of the most widely exported DOC classed wine in Italy (Wikipedia). 

Our wine comes from the town of Montepulciano. This is in Tuscany, in the province of Sienna, and is one of the most attractive hill towns in the area.The main grape grown here is Sangiovese. Only the very best grapes are used for Vino Nobile di Montepulciano. The others are used for Rosso di Montepulciano. The Vino Nobile has the big reputation but the simpler Rosso is no mean wine either as our example indicates.

Importers Le Caveau tell this Rosso di Montepulciano is a blend of Sangiovese, Canaiolo Nero and Mammolo grapes.

EIGHT DEGREES BREWING Presents ORIGINAL GRAVITY 2021 LABEL ARTWORK COMPETITION

EIGHT DEGREES BREWING 

Presents 

ORIGINAL GRAVITY

2021 LABEL ARTWORK COMPETITION

€1,000 PRIZE FOR EACH OF FIVE WINNERS.

Each artist will be promoted and their artwork featured on a beer label for one of our Eight Degrees 2021 limited edition beer releases.

About the Label Artwork Competition

To celebrate ten years of brewing at Eight Degrees, we want to showcase Ireland-based artists in our 2021 Original Gravity series. 

We are looking for designs that reflect our Naturally Adventurous values, that stand out on the shelf, and bring some positivity and excitement, expressing our desire to explore and roam again as we exit this lockdown. 

This series of five limited beer releases of ales, lagers and stouts will feature five pieces of original art, offering artists a can-sized exhibition space and allowing us to feature their art and promote them as artists. We’re looking for submissions of a piece of artwork that will be applied to a label template. There will be a €1,000 prize for each of the five winners.

 

About Eight Degrees Brewing 

An award-winning Irish microbrewery renowned for its innovation and experimentation, Eight Degrees was established at the foot of the majestic Galtee mountains by Kiwi Scott and Aussie Cam who were lured to Ireland by two Irish cailíns. The crew at Eight Degrees Brewing are passionate about producing exciting and adventurous beers using only natural ingredients. 

The very first of our naturally adventurous beers was brewed in April 2011; we've now brewed more than 85 original beers, taking inspiration from beer styles around the world. 

EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST 

If you are interested in entering, please register your interest at originalgravity@eightdegrees.ie and we will send you further information and terms and conditions. Please submit your expressions of interest from Monday 12th April 2021.

Entries close Friday 14th May 2021 at 11.59pm.

press release

Taste of the Week. Rebel City “Maharani” Irish Gin

Taste of the Week

Rebel City “Maharani” Irish Gin 

The local Maharani Gin is on my short list of favourites and is the current Taste of the Week. 

The juniper may be a little less forward than normal yet this gin is not at all short of character. On the contrary, it stands out in the crowd with its creamy mouthfeel and engaging harmony of the various botanicals. The nose, with the moderate citrus contribution of the pomelo leading, promises much and much is delivered, right through to a lengthy finish and its small hit of nutmeg mace spice. Quite a journey from first sip to last, quite a way from Kerala to Cork.

Kerala? You may well ask. Well some of the botanicals come all the way from Kerala in the south of India.

Distillery co-founders Robert Barrett and his wife Bhagya have brought it all together in a rather historic site in Cork. In a tiny gleaming distillery, Robert combines the botanicals and the spirit into a superb drink. He adds three botanicals from Kerala: they are Pomelo Fruit, officially Citrus Grandis;  Cassia (Cinnamomum Cassia) and also Nutmeg Mace (Myristica Fragrans). All three are sourced from the women’s farming cooperative in Kerala, Bhagya’s home state.

Their Rebel City Distillery is situated in part of the famous factory that thrived as it manufactured cars for Henry Ford (1917-1984). 

Rebel City Distillery 

Unit P6

Marina Commercial Park

Cork

• info@rebelcitydistillery.com
• +353 21 496 6300

A Quart of Ale± #45A. On the craft journey with IPA including a stunning NEIPA by Heaney

A Quart of Ale± #45A

On the craft journey with IPA including a stunning NEIPA by Heaney

 IPA

Heaney New England IPA 5.7%, 440ml can Bradleys

The label intro to this beer is short, and accurate: Haze, hops, and juice.

Light gold, deeply hazy, and a fluffy white head that’s in no big hurry to depart, mark the appearance of this new IPA from the Heaney brewery.

Aromas are somewhat reticent but you may note ripe Apricot plus notes of the more exotic Pineapple and Grapefruit. And more fruit on the palate, Mango and Charantais Melon to the fore, with just a touch of bitterness in the background. Lovely soft mouthfeel and perfectly balanced. Another well-made beer from the Derry brewery, one for the short-list for sure.

Mal Mackay from Heaney’s tells me the second batch is even better: “Yes, it is our first NEIPA and we’re very proud of it, although we thought it was great there is always room for improvement and the second batch we canned this Wednesday (April 7th) is even better. 

It’s slightly more refined on the body, a little smoother with the carbonation dialled in exactly right. I’m not sure what you get on your tasting notes but I feel there is a lot of squidgy apricot in there and some juicy red apple, it’s all about the jooooose. Very little bitterness if any, and a nice smooth lush body. We used Mosaic and Amarillo in equal quantities in the dry hop and Chinook in the whirlpool, no hops in the boil at all. Bottom line is yes, we thought it was good, but as ever here at Heaney, the next one will be better - until it’s perfect.” 

Food pairing suggested by the makers: Jamaican Jerk Chicken with a stone fruit sauce.

O’Hara’s Session IPA, 3.8%, 500ml bottle via Radical Drinks

A light golden body, a hazy one, with a white head that hangs about a bit. Hoppy citrus in the aromas. Clean and crisp as it hits the palate, almost lager like until the hops quickly dispel that notion and it continues full of flavour to the bitter end.

They say: This session IPA was designed to be light and easy drinking while still full of the punchy flavours of a traditional IPA. Brewed with 100% Irish malt to deliver a pale, clean and very crisp body. This matched with the late addition of hops, including Cascade, Simcoe and Chinook, make this a full flavoured, incredibly drinkable IPA.

That’s a pretty good summation of one of the better session beers you’re likely to come across.

For the geek:

Malts: Caramalt and Oat Malt

Hops: Cascade, Simcoe and Chinook followed up with the double dry hopping from Citra and Amarillo.

IBU: 25

Fermentation: Top fermentation

Serving Temperature: 6-8°C

Food Pairing: Pairs perfectly with chicken Caesar salad, smoked salmon, crisp lamb and Stilton cheese.

Glass: O’Hara’s Irish Craft Beer conical glass

Availability: 30L Keg, 50CL Bottles (carbonated)

Wicklow Brewery Coola Boola Session IPA 3.8%, 330 can Bradleys

Colour of this Coola Boola, a session IPA, from the Wicklow Brewery is a very pale yellow. The head shrinks quite rapidly. Aromas are somewhat reticent but, with Amarillo and Citra in the hop list, expect a little citrus. And you get that too, with a hint of lime, on the palate. With some tropical stuff in there too, it is quite a mouthful, good balanced inter-play of fruit and bitterness, more than enough to keep hop-lovers happy. Put this on your session list!

Rascals Wunderbar IPA, 6%, 330 can via Bradleys

Mid-gold is the colour of this German-style beer (bet you knew the style!). Fluffy head starts big, diminishes quickly. Touch of orange on the nose. And on the punchy palate too where the malt comes on-stage also to balance it all up. Actually, you realise (rather than realize) that this IPA is, thanks to sourcing and the interplay of hops and malt, is very much a European drink and a very welcome version indeed.  Man doesn’t live just on exotic fruit and floral. After all, variety is the spice of life. So well done to the folks at Rascals.

As they say themselves: A true IPA that stands up to its American competitors….DAS IST GUT! HOPPY  | FRUITY | PUNCHY. Unfiltered. Unpasteurised

Dining NOW Guide. This Week's Choices In Cork

Dining NOW Guide. This Week's Choices In Cork

(Contact me before 1.00pm Wed with a sentence, a pic and a link to menu, plan to update regularly)

 w/e 18/4/2021 Update #3

Click and Collect. At Home. Takeout. Takeaway.

Greenes add picnic box to their options!

Hake, a regular on Greenes At Home Menus.

We have some great additions to our click & collect offering this month. As the weather is improving and the restrictions are slowly lifting, we added a stunning PICNIC BOX to our offering to make the most of it! Selection of Artisan Cheeses, Charcuterie, Bread and Condiments with a Picnic Cloth, Napkins & Cutlery Included. (Don't forget to add a nice bottle of wine to go along with it.

Also added is our signature 6-COURSE TASTING MENU.

For more information and to order please visit

Greenes @ Home Menus *********

Good Day Deli

Why not grab a Shaky Bridge?

GDD Garden Grab + Go

Our delicious Garden Grab + Go Brunch Menu to compliment your daily adventure out into the real world 🌳 🧭 For collection, we have a new entrance at Evergreen Street (See Map) You’ll be greeted here by our team who will run you through our new system. All the menu and details here.

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O'Mahony's Watergrasshill

Keep smiling. That's the message from Dockland. Check out their menu here

Goldie Has Fish Box #5

Ahmet Dede at Customs House Baltimore

New Week, New Menu,

Thank you so much for last week once again you guys are amazing with all your support and love you shown We can't wait to get going and open our outdoor space and start cooking, serving and having a bit of normal time with you dear friends.

This week we are open Friday to Sunday.

Check the menus & details here

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Liberty Grill Deliver

LIBERTY GRILL HOME DINING

3 Courses

Fri 16th / Sat 17th April €30 per person - FREE delivery in the great Cork city area

Pre Order online LibertyGrill.ie @libertygrillcork

Simple as.. We deliver on the day, when ready turn on your oven to 180 or 160 fan, Pop hot appetiser in for 8 mins, While you enjoy these, pop in your mains & sides, they will be ready as soon as you've finished your appetiser!

We offer a selection of wines at off-licence prices which we can deliver with your meal. Menus here.

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There’s one region we simply could not ignore on our virtual wine tour, so we’re heading to Burgundy this week. For this  box, we’ve chosen a selection from the many treats that we think will really bring out the flavours in this beautiful wine and bring you on a gastronomic tour of Burgundy. 

€50 for 2 people. Orders to info@latitude51.ie by midday Thurs. Collection Fri 16th April from 5-6.30

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Ballymaloe Buffet at Your House!

The Hors d’œuvre buffet has long been a tradition at Ballymaloe House. This weekend we have chosen a selection of our favourites for you to enjoy at home. Your complete meal is ready to eat for 2 people. Your safe collection time will be allocated when ordering. Preparation instructions are included. The below items are available for collection on Friday the 16th of April. Please click here to purchase or ring 021 021 465 2531.

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Jacques are ready to feed you!

Heat At Home Menu. Phone lines now open, to order please call 0214277387. Collections are on Friday & Saturday.

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The Glass Curtain

FRIDAY 16TH APRIL €50 for 2 people sharing

Tandoori Monkfish tail, coconut dal, Bombay potatoes, garlic and ginger buttered greens, roti flatbreads Buttermilk pudding, blood orange, caramelized honey granola 

Suggested Wine Pairing: PINOT GRIS - LITTLE BEAUTY, MARLBOROUGH, NEW ZEALAND 2017 €30.

Click and collect

Just one of the meals on offer this weekend from the Glass Curtain. See rest of menu and order here from noon on Monday 12th April.

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Vienna Woods Hotel

Takeaway Menu Here. 

Two Courses for only €21.95


Three Courses for only €25.95

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Lovely views at Bunny's. And lovely food too. Check out the Cook@home menu here

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Killavullen Farmers Market Returns Saturday 17th!

 

Killavullen Farmers Market returns for 2021 on Saturday 17^th of April and will take its traditional fortnightly place in the calendar for the rest of the year, fingers crossed! After an extended hiatus since the last market in December, the stall holders and customers alike are eager to get back. 

Following funding provided by the excellent Avondhu Blackwater Partnership, each stall holder will have their own gazebo ensuring the marketing can take place outdoors with the required social distancing at one of the oldest farmers markets in Ireland.

 Now into its 20^th year, they will have their regular Saturday market on 10:30a.m. until 1p.m. in the grounds of the Nano Nagle Centre, on the main road between Castletownroche and Mallow. The market is continually evolving and continues to surprise each week!

All regular stallholders return to the market for 2021 so you will be able to purchase a range of products from locally grown seasonal vegetables, handcrafted baked goods, Arbutus breads, jams, chutneys and cordials. There is a fine selection of meat, smoked salmon, yoghurts. . 

 

Killavullen farmers market is a great spot to pick up crafted goods including knitwear, kids toys and wood products.  The second hand bookstore is a must for any reader. All books cost 50 Cent and donations of books are also gladly accepted. 

 

Unique to Killavullen Market is the KOB (Killavullen Organic Buyers grouping). Here you can order bulk foods and household supplies at discounted prices. Pop along to the market to find out more as this has been a great way to source difficult to get products during lockdowns!

 

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/killavullenfarmersmarket/