The Quart of Ale± Special. Favourite Beers 2021 (and belatedly 2020)

The Quart of Ale± Special

Favourite Beers 2021 (and belatedly 2020) 

April Favourites 

Sour: Wide Street “Peach Berliner” Sour or Wheat?

Brown Ale: Whiplash “The Ocean Wide” 

NEIPA: Heaney New England

Session: O’Hara’s Session IPA, Wicklow Brewery Coola Boola Session IPA, Blacks The Session IPA 3.5%

German style IPA: Rascals Wunderbar IPA

IPA: Rising Sons Fandango Hazy IPA, O’Hara’s Tropical IPA,

Stout: O’Hara’s Irish Stout,

Overall: Heaney New England

March Favourites

Lager: Wide Street “Mill Pils”

Session: Eight Degrees Bohemian Pilsner Lager

Red Ale: O’Hara’s Irish Red Traditional Ale, 4.3%

Baltic Porter: Whiplash Melodie Noir Baltic Porter

Overall: Whiplash Melodie Noir Baltic Porter

February Favourites

Lager: Eight Degrees “The Pilgrim’s Path”

Pale Ale: Blacks Kinsale KPA

Session: Rascals “Fruitropolis” Pale Ale, 4.3%

Overall: Eight Degrees “The Pilgrim’s Path”

January Favourites 

Pale Ale - Lineman Vesper

IPA - Hopfully Graciosa

Session: Whiplash Northern Light

Lager: Kinnegar Brewers at Play Rye Lager

Porter: Elbow Lane “Liberty”

Overall: Lineman Vesper

++++++

2020 

Stout: Brehon Brewhouse “Ulster Black” Oatmeal Stout 5.0%

Belgian Tripel: Eight Degrees Devil's Ladder Belgian Tripel 11.5%

Golden Ale: West Kerry Brewery “Béal Bán” Golden Ale, 5.0%

Imperial Stout: Lough Gill Dark Majik Imperial Oatmeal Coffee Cream Stout 11.0%

Pale Ale: Trouble Brewing Ambush Juicy Pale Ale, 5.0%

Session: Whiplash Rollover Session IPA 3.8%

Lager: White Gypsy Munich Lager, 5.8%

American IPA: Kinnegar “Crossroads” American Style IPA 6.2%

Saison: Third Circle “Unsocial Creatures”  Dry Hopped Saison 4.4%

White/Wheat: Mescan “Westport White” 5%

Cider: Highbank “Proper Irish Cider” 2016 6%

Sour: Yellow Belly Castaway Passionfruit Sour 4.2%

Red: The White Hag “The Fleadh” 6.8%

Hybrid: Hope Underdog Hoppy Lager 4.8%

Non Alcoholic: Highbank’s “Drivers” Cider

Overall: Eight Degrees Devil's Ladder Belgian Tripel 11.5%

A May Bank Holiday Walk on a windy Ballybranigan Beach

 A May Bank Holiday Walk

on a windy Ballybranigan Beach

Cheers on Beer, Wine and Spirits. With St Mel's, Blacks, O'Briens Wine, Wines of the World, SuperValu, Rascals,

 Cheers on Beer, Wine and Spirits. #210507

(Contact me before 1.00pm Wed with a sentence, a pic and a link to your news, for this weekly update)

St Mel's

We are counting down the days to our 7th Birthday, on Saturday 15th May, and what an amazing 7 years it’s been!  We would like to say a MASSIVE thank you to all of you, our wonderful customers, who have supported our beer brewing dreams, and what better way to say thank you than with a new beer? 

7th Anniversary Brew!

Introducing our 7th-anniversary brew... Spice Bag Saison!  We have collaborated with Arun from Green Saffron to create this extremely limited edition beer.  Tasting Notes: A soft malt character underpins the pronounced spice and fruit flavours contributed by both the fermentation and by the addition of spices and fruit peel. 750ml, 7% ABV Order here   ********* Blacks Announce Very Special Release!

We’d like to introduce you to a very special release that has been in the pipeline for quite some time. Something that has never been done as far as “Uisce beatha” can be remembered!

In June 2020, we made the decision to fill two incredibly unique casks with some truly special liquid. This was a cask style we were very familiar with here at Blacks, but something completely new to even the most renowned whiskey connoisseurs. The idea stemmed from our desire to push the boundaries for Irish Spirits and continue to bring about new and innovative releases.

More details (including ordering) here.

*********

More details here. While you're on why not check out their Rosé Event (reductions last all summer long!)

*********

Wines of the World Did you know that you can get wine delivered to your door each month? Our Monthly Wine Subscription takes care of that for you!

The perfect subscription for you - The Wine Lover! Our wine experts select 6 delicious wines from around the world and send to your door each month. Includes: A mix of 6 different wines each month Free Delivery Nationwide Tasting Notes for each wine Shop here ********* SuperValu's Italian Wine Event Starts May 20th As part of the Italian event, we’ll have fantastic offers across the Italian range including a range of new and exclusive ‘guest’ wines which will be available in-store whilst stocks last. No less than five pages of wines available - what you see above is just one.  Additional offers include Barone Montalto Passivento Bag In Box 3ltr at €28, Exclusive Vivaldi Ripasso 6 Bottle Wooden Case Deal 75cl at €50 Masi Campofiorin Magnum 1.5ltr at €25 ********** Go Raspberry With Rascals Fresh off the canning line and ready to be shipped: Red & Berried raspberry sour ale is on sale now!  Weighing in at a handy 4.1%, this beer packs a delicious raspberry flavour with a delicate sweetness and a mouthfeel smooth as you like. It’s a real ‘sitting out the back garden in a deckchair in the wind, hail and rain' kind of beer. More info here. We deliver nationwide and don’t forget there’s free delivery for orders over €60. This month we’re donating €1 from every order to The Iveagh Hostel.  You can read more about the initiative here. *********

For riveting pivoting and canny cooking, Michael's your Gaz man.

For riveting pivoting and canny cooking, Michael's your Gaz man.

 

Few restaurant owners around the country have responded as quickly and effectively to the restrictions of lockdown 2020 as Gareth ‘Gaz’ Smith who owns Michael’s and Little Mike’s in Mount Merrion, Dublin. His restaurants regularly top the list of favourite Dublin restaurants and the awards cabinet is bursting at the seams. This Sligo Food Trail open event “Riveting pivoting and canny cooking”, gives you a chance to hear his typically honest and frank assessment of all that has happened in the last 15 months and how he has responded. It’s a Zoom event on Tuesday 18^th May at 10.30am.

 

Gaz has been a revelation (and a revolution!) on the Irish food scene since he and his wife Rita took over Michael’s six years ago. Despite leaving school at 15 and starting work as a kitchen porter, he has accumulated quite some CV having worked his way to the very top. His experience includes prestigious restaurants like Chapter One, The Chart House (Dingle) and the two Michelin star Ledbury (London) as well as six years working in Vienna.

 

He’s charismatic, outspoken, and a whizz on social media. He has a passion for seafood that is nothing short of contagious and is generous in praising the team around him. Gaz was hit hard by the pandemic but bounced back bigger and better than ever, running his restaurants successfully on a collection model and recently opening a new retail arm to his business and launching a range of branded sauces.

 

Bringing it all back home to Sligo, Gaz will be joined for a panel Q&A session by restauranteur Anthony Gray (Eala Bhán and Hooked) and Carolanne Rushe of Sweet Beat, both of whom have a tale to tell about weathering the recent storms.

 

Anthony Gray is passionate about Sligo food and was crowned ‘Local Food Hero’, as well as receiving countless awards for his restaurants and business acumen. He has always been prepared to take responsibility within the industry having held positions as President of the Restaurant Association of Ireland and as the inaugural Chair of Sligo Food Trail. He is currently Chair of Sligo Tourism.

 

Carolanne Rushe has been a real trendsetter in Sligo food. Having travelled extensively, she brought back new ideas about plant based food and launched them onto a public who realised this was exactly what they had been waiting for. Combining all she had learned in Ballymaloe, Australia and the Middle East, she created flavour sensations in her salads which have sent reverberations countrywide.

 

Tickets for Riveting Pivoting and Canny Cooking are free of charge. Registration is essential, through the website www.sligofoodtrail.ie or social media. Members and non members are welcome.

 

Sligo Food Trail is celebrating its fifth birthday this month with a series of events, videos and live events. Details are available on the website www.sligofoodtrail.ie

press release

Taste of the Week. Golden Bean's Capim Branco

Taste of the Week.

Golden Bean's Capim Branco

Lots of new coffee roasters on the block these days but our current Taste of the Week comes from one of the longest standing, the Golden Bean who are based at Ballymaloe.

Bought a bag of the beans from Bradleys (North Main Street) last week and was immediately struck by the excellent quality of this relatively sweet and fruity Brazilian variety Yellow Catuai (not that I know much at all about the different varieties). 

But I can rely on the judgement of Golden Bean owner/roaster Marc Kingston whose "goal has always been to source, roast and supply the most ethically produced beans from around the world". Well worth a try!

Pic via Golden Bean.

For the Geek!

Varietal: 100% Yellow Catuai

Processing: Natural and dried on Patios

Owner: Andrade Brothers (Ismael & Eduardo Andrade)

Altitude: 1,100 metres above sea level

Town / City: Carmo do Paranaiba

Region: Cerrado Mineiro

“LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION!” Powerscourt Hotel Resort Spa set to re-open with “Enchanting” summer escape breaks

 “LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION!” 

Powerscourt Hotel Resort Spa set to re-open with some “Enchanting” summer escape breaks

 

For immediate release:   Thursday, May 6th 2021:  As Hollywood actress Amy Adams touched down in Ireland today to commence filming in Enniskerry, the 5* Powerscourt Hotel Resort & Spa is busy preparing to re-open for the summer season ahead.

It is safe to say, that we have all become a little “Disenchanted” with life, so why not book a night or two of fairytale living at Powerscourt Hotel Resort Spa and perhaps witness the glitz and glam of a Disney movie in the making.  From June 2^nd, the resort is offering a number of packages including their Summer Luxury Escape experience, offering 15% off bed and breakfast stay packages with pricing from €158.00 per person sharing.

For those eager to relax and dine in-doors then the Powerscourt Dining Experience will most definitely appeal.  Boasting exceedingly spacious accommodations, glorious views, delicious food and amazing spa and resort facilities, there’s simply no better setting to reignite the passion and bring some romance back into the relationship. Offering luxurious overnight accommodation, dinner in the stunning setting of Sika Restaurant with breakfast this package is priced from €233.50 per person sharing.

Treat the kids and let them explore the magnigicent estate and enjoy some relaxed family time together. Cycyle to the village (complimentary estate bicycles available) and see all the Disney action: pedal along the river walk trail, and pay a visit to Powerscourt Waterfall and enjoy a family picnic together, taking time to enhale the breathtaking vistas.   Family Fun package for 2 adults and 2 children (under 12 yrs) sharing family accommodation with breakfast for all, a family picnic for 4 and admission to Powerscourt Waterfall from €474 per room per night.

Terrace Dining

ESPA at Powerscourt is set to re-open for hotel guests on June 2^nd and a reopening date for non-residents will be advised as soon as is practical.  For those eager to attend to the very negegleted pampering sessions then why not indulge yourself and book an ESPA Retreat package that includes overnight stay for two, dinner in Sika Restaurant, breakfast the following morning and a one hour ESPA treatment each from €301 per person sharing.

The indoor 20m Swarovski crystal-lit swimming pool is also yours to use, with family access times available, fully equipped gym (open between 7am-9pm) daily following strict guideline procedures to ensure the wellbeing of both staff and hotel guests) and an array of outdoor pursuits on the doorstep.   If it is an adventure break you are looking for, the hotel can organise mountain climbs, escorted walks or more strenuous activities including abseiling and mountain biking.  Golf can also be arranged at Powerscourt Golf Club and Enniskerry is packed with interesting things to do and see. The town itself is brimming with great restaurants, fabulous shops and old-town atmosphere and a sprinkle of Disney movie magic!.

For more information please visit www.powerscourthotel.com

Bookings can be made through the Reservations Team on +35312748888 or reservations@powerscourthotel.com

press release

A Royal Red Wine From The Queen of Teroldego

A Royal Red Wine From The Queen of Teroldego

Foradori Teroldego Vigneti Delle Dolomiti (IGT) 2018, 12.5%

€30.95 64 Wine Dublin, Bradley’s of Cork, Greenman Dublin, Le Caveau Kilkenny

After an active day in the mountains of Trentino, perhaps trekking in the vast Naturpark Drei Zinnen (Three Peaks Park) or skiing in Cortina d´Ammpezzo, it’s time to replenish your reserves. And here a favourite at the table is a bowl of giant canederli (bread and flour dumplings), which are laden with smoked bacon chunks and served in a warm broth. Local breads and cheeses are also on the table, dispatched before you tackle the filling polenta and sausage based dish known as Smacafam. Apples will feature in the dessert course, perhaps their version of strudel.

And all the while your enjoyable companion is the Foradori Teroldego, a superb wine of the region made by the experienced Elisabetta Foradori. She is indeed regarded by many authorities as the queen of Teroldego.

“It has beautiful colour and rich fruit, but sometimes the tannins can be a little drying. You need to hold on to it for a while or pair it with gamey foods, but the flavour is unique. And you won’t find it anywhere else in the world.” That was young Elisabetta Foradori speaking to Vino Italio back in 2002 who even then considered her as the leading producer of Teroldego.

Regina Elisabetta

In 2016, The Modern History of Italian Wine honoured her as one of the leading producers in the renaissance from the 1960s onwards. She led the local change from pergolas to Guyot (lower yield, more quality), practiced the “diligent use of small oak barrels” (to tackle the international market), and then her embracing of biodynamic cultivation and her adoption of the amphora in “this land where Regina Elisabetta (Queen Elizabeth) reigns” further enhanced her wines.

A handy base in Drei Zinnen (Three Peaks Park) in the Dolomites,
about 3 hours from the Foradori vineyards.

Even the 8th Edition of the World Wine Atlas concurs: “the unrivalled queen of fine fully ripe Teroldego Rotaliano is Elisabetta Foradori. Her improved clones, and experiments with fermenting in amphoras, impresses her clients more than they do the authorities, so she sells them as IGT Vigneti delle Dolomiti.” 

This dark ruby aromatic wine is indeed a gem, light in alcohol but full of flavour, a distinguished part of the Trentino gastronomy. About two months back, we got a great idea of how the wine and food go together thanks to a Tasting the Dolomites meal (Take Out of course in the current circumstances) organised by Cork’s leading wine-bar, Latitude 51, as part of their own deliciously defiant response to setbacks over the past two years (including those Covid 19 restrictions). The wine itself is pure, precise and elegant and Very Highly Recommended.

We nibbled on Speck (smoked cured ham) and Taleggio cheese for a start. Then moved on to the hearty Zuppa all’Orzo (pearl barley), eating and drinking in that bowl. I had been a little wary of the dumplings having been very disappointed with a series of Northern European dumplings a few years back. But these, packed with herbs and Speck, were in a different class altogether. Then on to another highlight, the Smacafam, a sausage and polenta pie, a hearty rustic type of pizza, full of flavour and topped with delicious cheese and that meaty sausage was just superb.

Speck (via Pixabay)

Then time for the finalé, after a decent pause! Apples are abundant in Trentino and L’Atitude included their take on an Apple Strudel, a superb take indeed, enhanced with a dab or two of crème fraîche. They even included a digestif, some prunes soaked (deluged!) in Grappa to bring the curtain down on an excellent insight into the area.

Been in that area just once myself, on a day trip from Austria, and remember having the best ever Spaghetti Carbonara in a high altitude restaurant in or near the Naturpark Drei Zinnen (Three Peaks Park) in the Dolomites and then enjoying a stroll around a nearby lake (in pic above) under some awesome peaks.

Kinsale Spirit Company makes history as Rare Irish Malt Whiskey sells on the NFT platform for $100,000

press release 

Kinsale Spirit Company makes history as

Rare Irish Malt Whiskey sells on the NFT platform for $100,000

 

Dare to do! - Ernest Cantillon

Kinsale Spirit Co. bring some technological innovation to the whiskey world,

a space synonymous with tradition

 

 

Last week, Kinsale Spirit Company went to market with the first ever Whiskey Cask represented by an NFT (A non-fungible token) and successfully auctioned on OpenSea crypto marketplace, selling for an impressive $100,000 (over €83,000).

 

The rare cask is one of the few that remain from Cooley’s original distillery in Co. Louth. Described by the sellers as a rare piece of history, the whiskey, Pallet No. 14730, is from 2001 and resides in an ex-bourbon barrel. 

 

The opportunity was presented to a private group of early investors in crypto who are in Kinsale Spirit Company's network. The investment case for whiskey, particularly casks, is similar to Bitcoin in that both are seen as a store of value and are both asset classes that inflation fearing investors are increasingly flocking to in order to protect their purchasing power.

 

NFTs allow crypto savvy investors who may be interested in gaining exposure to whiskey, or any physical good for that matter, to do so without the frictions and costs associated with traditional financial infrastructure. This is a very compelling value proposition, especially to large crypto holders. Two bidders meated it out for the cask, which eventually sold for $100k. The buyer wishes to remain anonymous. 

 

Kinsale Spirit Company was aiming to raise a minimum €60,000 from the auction of the cask, to assist in establishing their new distillery near Summercove, Kinsale, and the auction has surpassed all expectations.

 

Co-Director of Kinsale Spirit Company, Colin Ross, says: “From the fundraising perspective, I think this is a novel (/world first) methodology by which unique and rare whiskeys can be offered to a whole swathe of interested and liquid investors who want to see long-term value and collectability, while giving Kinsale Spirit Company increased resources to action our significant plans to build a distillery in Kinsale and export multiple brands on a global scale.”

 

Business partner Ernest Cantillon added “Our own whiskey, Red Earl, is currently featuring in an international trade expo in Hainan, China, and there has been a lot of interest in us generated by the NFT auction.

We are delighted to be bring some technological innovation to the whiskey world, a space synonymous with tradition. To be the first to do this was our primary  goal - it’s hard to stand out as a relative new comer - but to exceed our sale target is a real bonus. Our plans for our own distillery in Kinsale are progressing quickly and this windfall will certainly help.”

 

 

Kinsale Spirit Company plans on integrating these digital auctions into their offering combining digital and physical. While opening up new channels of whiskey aficionados and avid NFT collectors and crypto currency enthusiasts.  

 

This is a first ever auction of a whiskey cask in this way and an opportunity to be involved in the development of the on-going success story that is Kinsale Spirit Company.

 

 

DESTINATION KILLARNEY! -CAHERNANE HOUSE HOTEL IS THE ULTIMATE STAYCATION DESTINATION THIS SUMMER-

 DESTINATION KILLARNEY! 

-CAHERNANE HOUSE HOTEL IS THE ULTIMATE STAYCATION DESTINATION THIS SUMMER-

The Cellar Bar

Planning your great escape?  Need a luxurious staycation to look forward to?  One of Ireland’s most elegant country houses, Cahernane House Hotel in Killarney, Co. Kerry is the perfect place to get away from it all this summer. Removed from the main throughfare of Killarney and set on its own private grounds on the edge of Killarney National Park, the house presents plenty of opportunities for guests to enjoy a relaxing, private getaway with their family. The Muckross Road, where Cahernane House is located is often referred to as ‘the gateway to the Ring of Kerry’, renowned for its spectacular scenery and ancient history.  

Enjoy a longer stay and truly unwind in this elegant manor house, with the ‘Destination Killarney’ package (from €603 per person sharing).  This offer is available as a 4- or 5-night option and allows guests that little bit more time to linger and leave the stresses of everyday life behind.  The 5-night Destination Killarney Package includes a luxurious stay in a Deluxe Room with a freshly cooked breakfast each morning and a 4-course evening meal served on four evenings.  Guests will enjoy a fine dining experience in the 2 AA Rosette Herbert Restaurant.  The package also includes a complimentary history tour of the 19^th century manor house which has been sympathetically restored to its former glory by the current owners, the PREM Group.

Cahernane House is a great base to explore the stunning hidden trails and lesser-known scenic spots the area has to offer.   Killarney National Park is famed for its majestic lakes, verdant forests, and magical waterfalls.  The park has lots of walks and hikes to suit all ages, fitness levels and abilities and there are lots of stunning places to see nearby such as Ross Castle, Muckross House and Dinis Cottage.

Guests are welcome to use the complimentary hotel bicycles to explore and there is even a suggested daily itinerary and maps available for guests to use.  If you wanted to head out for the day you can always ask chef to prepare a picnic box to enjoy in the great outdoors.

Built in 1877, Cahernane House Hotel has been extensively renovated by the owners, PREM Group who have spent over €7.8 million on an ambitious renewal programme. There are 12 grand bedrooms in the original Manor House, 28 in the Garden Wing and the Coach House, once home to the horses and carriages of the Herbert family who built the house is now the setting for 8 new luxurious bedrooms.

 

Famed for its fantastic food, Executive Chef Eric Kavanagh and his team serve delicious casual fare in the Cellar Bar and delectable dishes in the fine dining Herbert Restaurant while afternoon tea is served daily in the elegant Drawing Room.

For more information on Cahernane House Hotel see www.cahernane.com or call    +353 (0) 64 663 1895.

press release