A Quart of Ale± #110 On the craft journey with Lineman, Brú and Dot Brew

 A Quart of Ale± #110

On the craft journey with Lineman, Brú and Dot 

Lineman Green Light West Coast IPA 7.0%, 440 ml can

A hazy bright light gold is the colour of this West Coast IPA. It has a lingering soft white head. More importantly, it has been “packed with a large hop load”. 

And that load makes its mark first on the pungent aromas. Well balanced though on the dank palate. No shortage of flavour with pine and grapefruit prominent and bitterness galore, the hop load delivering all the way to the impressive finish. Impressive finish, impressive beer.

Not surprisingly, they’ve picked a trio of US hops for this one: Columbus (also known as CTZ), Centennial and Idaho7.

So what is a West Coast IPA? It started off as an IPA made on the west coast of the US. Nowadays, the style may be made anywhere in the states, anywhere in the world. The most important elements, according to the current Beer Bible, “are enhanced bitterness and a pronounced citrus or pine flavour”. On that basis, Lineman’s gets the green light here. I’m good to go again!

Lineman Stopover Blond Ale 5.1%, 440 ml can Bradleys

It is widely acknowledge that we owe much to Belgian brewers, not least for Amber and Blond Ale inspiration. As you can see , Lineman used a a Belgian yeast strain in their Stopover. 

And they also used Golding and Saaz hops. And in what other beer do you find those two? Well in the Duval, which gets the nod “as the world’s most beautiful beer” in the Beer Bible. Author Jeff Alworth tells us the Duval Yeast is legend… and the secret to Duvel is its balance. Would be nice to compare the Belgian and this Lineman side by side!

Lineman, an independent Irish microbrewery based in Rathcoole, Co. Dublin, consistently produce quite excellent beers and this Blond Ale is one of the most recent.

It has a gorgeous gold colour and soft white head, regularly reinforced by upward streams of bubbles. No shortage of hops here and they’ve been generous with the Golding, Saaz and Hallertau. But they’ve also used a Belgian yeast strain that also contributes to the fruit as well as adding some spice flavours. And the malts also play a role here in a crisp and refreshing beer that is a bit different to the norm.

Available in cans and draught.

Brú Howling at the Sun West Coast IPA 5.7%, 440 ml can Bradleys

“Part of the Urban Jungle series that celebrates the brewery’s adventurous side. A classic West Coast Pale Ale, Howling at the Sun delivers bitterness alongside a big hit of juicy tropical notes.”. That’s the brewery intro to Howling at the Sun. 

It’s a very hazy mid-orange, the haze hinting at east coast rather than west. Head is foamy, soft and white. The power of the hops jumps up from the glass. And your first sip confirms bracing bitterness, a bitterness that outguns the flavours right to the end.

No doubt, hop aficionados will go for this one. Can’t take a shine to it though; I prefer a bit more balance and its lack leaves me howling at the moon😉. 

Dot Brew General Population IPA 6.5%, 440 ml can Bradleys.

Dot Brew’s General Population, a New England IPA apparently, has a light orange colour with a pillowy white head that’s slow to sink. The hops, two from Australia and one from the US, head up the aromatics. First thing I noticed on the palate was the softness, probably down to the oats. And there’s quite a bit of fruit, mostly tropical such as Passion Fruit and Pineapple and some from nearer home like Peach and Grapefruit. A hint of sticky stuff from the pines too that those of you who have ever sawed evergreen trees into firewood, when times were tougher, may remember. Good balance though and easy-drinking.

Geeks Bits:

Ingredients: Barley, oats (expect creamy), hops, yeast.

Hops: New England IPA w/ Aus Galaxy (Passion fruit, Peach, Citrus), AUS Vic Secret (Passion fruit ResinousPineapple) & USA Amarillo (Grapefruit, Peach, resinous) Easy drinking, soft and pillowy

Spic and span Fudi serving up enticing Asian food in Blackpool

Spic and span Fudi serving up 

enticing Asian food in Blackpool

Satay

As a first time visitor walks, carefully, across the busy Old Mallow Road, towards the Fudi premises, you’ll have little idea, from the initial look at the exterior, of how large and how bright this neat and tidy dining room is. But once inside, the bright well decorated place will impress, as will the warm welcome, and that is all before you start to enjoy the Asian style food that is served here.

While I was in the Douglas Fudi on the night it opened, this was my first call to Blackpool. I was on the lookout for their Massaman curry but that wasn’t available on the lunch menu (which is a bit shorter than the evening and delivery menu).

Crispy Chilli Chicken

Still, there was plenty to choose from. They had a couple of soups, Buffalo wings,  Japanese Gyoza, King Prawn Tempura, Four in One, Chicken Burger, Douglas Beef Burger, and a curry Dish.

My pick was the Satay Stir Fry with onions, mixed peppers, carrots broccoli, and mushroom in satay sauce. You have a choice of chicken, beef, tofu, vegetable, or prawn. I opted for the House Special (a bit of everything!) and that cost an extra euro bringing the price to €10.90). Also I had a choice of either chips or rice and went for the latter (sharing with CL who had the fries). The stir fry was more or less perfect, just love the way the vegetables are so well cooked in Asian cuisine; indeed everything was spot on.

CL's dish was the €9.90 Crispy Chilli Chicken (with onions, mixed peppers, carrots, pineapple in their homemade sweet chilli sauce). Another excellent plateful though some people may find the sauce a little on the sweet side.

They offer plenty of drinks here including Smoothies, Teas, coffees and chocolate. No shortage of soft drinks either but surprisingly enough they don’t serve tap water. A 50ml bottle of Acqua Panna (which seems to have travelled the world to get to Cork) will cost you €3.00. 

Blackpool interior

They also sell wines (white, red and sparkling), a couple of Asian beers, the local Stag Ban Gluten Free Ale along with Stonewell ciders (including the excellent alcohol free version). Cocktails available also along with spirits, including Beara Gin.

Aside from Blackpool, Fudi has three other outlets in Cork: in Edenhall (Model Farm Road) in Douglas (in the Woollen Mills) and in Mahon (Avenue de Rennes).  If you like Asian or would like to try it, then Fudi is a great place to visit.

* We did follow-up the Massaman and got it a week or so later via their online delivery service. Ordered for 5.00pm, arrived with a smile at 5.00pm! Neatly packed too by the way.

Their Thai Red Massaman Curry (I choose the chicken option) is described as a rich creamy mild coconut milk curry with onions, carrots, mixed peppers and pineapple. Accurate enough and, as I'd hoped, I enjoyed the Massaman, even getting a spoon to get it all where I wanted it!

The other dish that evening was their Yaki Soba, the Japanese noodles coming complete with chicken, eggs, onions, carrots, bean sprouts and scallions. No real heat in this one but an excellent dish all the same.

We had ordered one side of chips and they sent two but there was no charge for the extra one. Thanks guys!

METROPOLE HOTEL CELEBRATES 125 YEARS OF WELCOMING GUESTS TO THE HEART OF CORK CITY

METROPOLE HOTEL CELEBRATES 125 YEARS

OF WELCOMING GUESTS TO THE HEART OF CORK CITY

Pictured at the launch (L/R):  Sabina Krkić Bengez (Front Office Manager), Jan Mitchell (Deputy General Manager), Nicole O’ Leary (Rooms Division Duty Manager), Kylie Basnett (Corporate Sales & M.I.C.E. manager), Pierce Lowney (Food & Beverage Manager), Roger Russell (General Manager), Kevin O'Leary (Bar Manager) and Niall FitzGerald (Food & Beverage Training Specialist).

One of Ireland’s most historic hotels is celebrating 125 years at the centre of Cork life. The Metropole Hotel has welcomed Oscar winning actors, producers and directors, Nobel laureate writers and grammy award winning singers since its doors first opened in 1897. 

It was designed by architect Arthur Hill and built to the highest standards and opulence of the day by John Delaney and Co Builders. The Metropole was owned by the Musgrave family of merchants until 1977 when it was sold to a consortium of local businessmen. Today it is part of Trigon Hotels and employs more than 100 people. 

Over the years the Metropole has hosted many thousands of weddings and is even reported to have hosted King Edward VII for tea on the roof when he visited Cork in 1903 for the city’s Great Exhibition. It was a ‘dry hotel’ for several decades and was advertised as “Ireland’s Finest Unlicensed Hotel”.

The Metropole made headlines around the world in the 1950s when British actress Dawn Addams stayed there. She visited the city in 1957 for the Cork Film Festival which was screening her film ‘A King in New York’. Her requests for a bath of milk were refused by the hotel manager Douglas Vance as the people of Cork were finding it hard to make ends meet at the time.

Other notable guests include actors Gregory Peck and James Mason, directors Walt Disney, Vittoria de Sica and John Huston, writers John Steinbeck and Frank O’Connor as well as legendary Jazz singer Ella Fitzgerald. 

The Metropole is also responsible for the Cork Jazz Festival which has grown into a world-renowned annual event. It was founded by Sales and Marketing Manager Jim Mountjoy in 1978 and has attracted well over a million people to Cork on the October Bank Holiday weekend since then. 

Commenting on the 125th anniversary, Managing Director of Trigon Hotels Aaron Mansworth added, “It is a huge milestone to reach 125 years in business and that is in no small part to the thousands of people who have worked at the Metropole Hotel over the last 125 years. People like Douglas Vance who was General Manager for 38 years from 1944 until he retired in 1982. He transformed the hotel into the top class venue it is today introducing the highest standards of service and cleanliness. We count ourselves incredibly lucky to have such dedicated and loyal team members working with us today, many of whom have been at the Metropole for decades.”

To mark the 125th birthday, the hotel has launched a new cocktail menu giving a nod to the history and nostalgia of the hotel. It is also showcasing the history of the hotel with new displays and will be running tours for guests throughout the summer.  

General Manager Roger Russell added, “The Metropole has a fascinating history and one we’re really proud to celebrate. I hope that guests will find it as interesting as we do. Cork city has vastly changed over the years but the Metropole remains a constant. We have welcomed huge movie stars, famous singers and writers but every guest is special to us. It is wonderful to see generations of families return year after year celebrating the important milestones like christenings, weddings and anniversaries and I hope it will continue for another 125 years more.”

press release

From Castillo Y Leon, a beautiful Tempranillo and an outstanding expression of Sauvignon Blanc

From Castillo Y Leon, a beautiful Tempranillo and an outstanding expression of Sauvignon Blanc

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Finca Menade Sauvignon Blanc (Vino de la Tierra Castillo Y Leon) 2021

€18.35 64 Wine Dublin, Bradley’s of Cork, Greenman Dublin, Le Caveau Kilkenny

Open the cork on this one and you immediately smell gooseberry. It is from Spain, it is organic, gluten free, and vegan friendly and yes, it is Sauvignon Blanc. France and New Zealand are the top Sauvignon blanc growers but Rueda in Spain grows a fair bit and grows it well if this Menade is anything to go by.

The colour is a pale straw. You’ll also note some more exotic fruits such as grapefruit, mango and passionfruit in both the aromas and on the palate, some “local” flavours too like apricot and peach. The grape is noted for its high acidity and low sweetness and that is the case here. 

Importers Le Caveau say this is a “Marlborough style that doesn't travel half as far” and that assertion is reinforced by the acidity and fruit. This youthful and modern expression of the grape is well balanced, with a hint of lime in a long lingering finish. A delight to engage with and Very Highly Recommended. 

Brothers and sister Marco, Richard and Alejandra Sanz run this certified organic estate in Rueda, South of Valladolid. The estate, where Sauvignon blanc has found a home since its 1994 introduction, has 160 ha in production (including 30 ha of pre-phylloxera vines). 

The soil-type consists of sandy clay and is covered with pebbles in most part. Hand-harvesting, natural yeasts and low yields are some of the techniques used to produce the trade-mark Menade style of pure and expressive wines. I enjoyed a bottle of their superb Verdejo in 2021 and you may read the short review here.  

As with Menade Verdejo, each parcel – for these vary widely depending on the soil type and orientation of the vines – is picked and vinified separately, fermentation is on the basis of the grapes’ natural, wild yeasts, and the wine is left briefly on its fine lees. Just one example of the attention to detail. Hand-harvesting, carbonic snow  (instead of sulphur), loveable trees, natural yeasts and low yields are among the techniques used to produce pure and expressive wines.

Sauvignon Blanc, according to Wine Folly, pairs wonderfully with “herb-driven sauces, salty cheeses, light meats and… Asian Food.” 

* This wine is labelled Vino de la Tierra (VdT) and this is the same classification often indicated by IGP (Indicatión Geográfica Protegida.

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Alfredo Maestro Almate (Vino de la Tierra Castillo Y Leon) 2020, 

€17.60 64 Wine Dublin, Bradley’s of Cork, Greenman Dublin, Le Caveau Kilkenny

Dark red, close to purple, is the colour of this Tempranillo, not from Rioja but from Ribera del Duero. Red and darker fruits head up the aromatics and you’ll find some vanilla hints there too.  More of the same in the mouth as the mid-bodied smooth and creamy wine flows across. Tannins are gentle and sweet and indeed, the whole experience is rather gentle. Well structured, well balanced and Very Highly Recommended.

And that is a satisfactory outcome for both the customer and the producer Alfredo whose goal is to make "easy wines with character imprinted with the earth and the vintage, authentic stories transmitted differently each year and not modified by the hand of the man in the cellar.”

I’ve enjoyed a few different vintages over recent years including the 2016 and, more recently, the 2018: “Another well-made wine from the man "known as the magician of the Duero, a prominent exponent of the natural wine movement in Spain.” This is Alfredo’s flagship wine and Spanish Wine Lover rates it “as outstanding within its type and style”.  There is indeed something of a consensus about this excellent well-priced wine and you may confidently add it to your shopping list!

Le Caveau:Viña Almate is the name of the first vineyard that Alfredo planted and gives the name to his bodega and to Alfredo’s entry-level Duero wine. This cuvee is made from fruit sourced from various plots of Tinto Fino (local name for Tempranillo), of varying vine ages, located in Valtiendas at 1,000 m. elevation, as well as Peñafiel, at 700 meters. 

Tempranillo is Spain’s top variety, made famous by the wines of Rioja. It is grown widely in Spain including in Ribera del Duero and Toro. It is grown in quite a few countries, including Portugal, but not in any significant quantity. 

Le Caveau indicates it pairs well with pair with grilled and roasted meats. Wine Folly more or less agrees saying older bolder Temps match with steak, gourmet burgers and rack of lamb. “Fresher styles match well with baked pasta and other tomato based dishes.”

Summertime at the big house. Sculpture on the lawn. Lunch in the conservatory.

 Summertime at the big house. Sculpture on the lawn. 

Lunch in the conservatory. Ballymaloe House

Side view of James Joyce by John Coll

I always enjoy my visit to the annual Richard Scott Sculpture Gallery Ballymaloe exhibition. So popular ha sit become that it now has made a permanent home on the lawn in front of the big house with a field of barley growing alongside. While you may not walk on the barley, the exhibition organisers have created a 600 meter grass pathway weaving through the long grass alongside the mown sculpture area.

After all that strolling and walking, we thought we deserved our light lunch in the Ballymaloe Conservatory. As always, much of what you get here is their own produce with some also provided by local producers. We enjoyed, in some comfort, the Caherbeg Bacon Sandwich and also the House Paté with side salad and superb toast, all washed down with a glass of their Apple Juice and a bottle of non-alcoholic Stonewell Cider.

Head-on view of James Joyce by John Coll. Best in show?

There are over forty pieces (created by 23 Irish artists) in the current exhibition; it runs until 31st August and is open from 9.00am to 9.00pm each day. And if you come on a Thursday in June and July at 6.00pm, you may take a guided tour which is relaxed and informative. No booking required.

A field of sculpture

House Paté

Sunny Day by Eileen Singleton

Eileen Singleton has a trio of these pieces in the show and I liked all three though this is perhaps my favourite!

Free range Caherbeg Bacon

Sea Eagle by Ester Barrett

Animals always feature here and this sea eagle in bronze is a splendid example.  Another Barrett piece, titled Emerging, is possible even more striking but I didn't get a decent photo. Others to look out for include Adan Pomeroy's Raven and the mini-pieces by 8ight called Scorpion, Bull, Dragonfly and especially (for me) Butterfly.

The Tall Green Hare by Seamus Connolly

This is probably the most eye-catching of the hares in the show. Donnacha Cahill also has a couple (one big, one small) while Peter Killeen has two smooth customers in bronze.

Sir Dan by Aidan Harte

Don't think I'd fancy meeting Sir Dan in a ring or down a dark alley. It is in bronze. Below we have a smoother piece in Kilkenny Limestone. I reckon The Pugilist may at least abide by the Marquis of Queensbury Rules while Dan would be more the Mixer Martial Arts type.

Pugilist by Jason Ellis. Jason's Supplicant also impresses.

Hedgehogs by Richard Healy

This small scale bronze could well be one of the most popular pieces in the exhibition, makes everybody smile. I like it of course though my overall favourite is the James Joyce, the one that makes you frown!

More the exhibition here.

Cork Events. Eventi Management announces host of original events

press release

Eventi Management, the team behind the Dad Rocks Family Fun Day, announces host of original events under Eventi Presents

 

Eventi Management, a Cork-based events and marketing company behind the Dad Rocks family Fun Day that took place on Father’s Day, have announced an exciting line-up of Festivals presented by the company.

 

Managing Director Sinéad Dunphy explained, “While we are a company that predominantly takes on clients, usually in the arts and culture sector, for events, festivals, marketing and PR, we are also creatives ourselves.” 

 

The inaugural Dad Rocks Family Fun Day saw a music stage, a Dad DIY Obstacle Course, Dad Dancing, Dad Jokes and air guitar competitions to appreciative audiences throughout the day.  

 

“And sometimes we just like to have a laugh…” added Ms. Dunphy; “… and it’s the creating that keeps us on our toes!”.  

 

Summer is a busy time for the young company and upcoming Eventi Festivals include, the summerSING! children’s music and arts festival that takes place this July 11^th – 15^th and the Soul Fest music Festival that’s happening the last weekend of August, 26^th – 28^th.   

 

“Festivals are our wheelhouse here at Eventi and we provide full end-to-end services for festivals and events clients, so we’re well equipped to present some ourselves under Eventi Presents” continued Ms. Dunphy. 

 

summerSING! is a week-long festival that follows the format of a summer camp for children aged 7 – 14. This year Musical Director Ronan Holohan takes the helm while Stevie G is on board with his new DJing and rapping workshop, New School. Bookings for summerSING! can be made via www.summersing.ie

 

 

Soul Fest is back this year with headline concerts from Laoise Leahy and Karen Underwood at City Hall and the weekend is packed with entertainment for all the family, including a live soul train and city block party. For more information and tickets see www.soulfestcork.com

 

The creative team promises much more under Eventi Presents throughout the year so follow their socials for announcements and updates and for more information on Eventi Management’s current original productions you can check out their website eventi.ie/eventi-presents.

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Eventi Management Presents

Cork’s only Children’s Arts Festival, summerSING! is back this July 11^th – 15^th and is ready to have Cork Sing Its Hear Out!

Registration is open now!

Eventi Management presents summerSING!, Cork’s only children’s arts festival for children aged 7 – 14+, which is back this July 11^th – 15^th and registration is now open – with a jam-packed programme of fun for all! This year’s Festival will see children participate in all things arts and culture in two Festival Partner venues; MTU Cork School of Music and the Triskel Arts Centre. 

Eventi Management’s Junior Partner and summerSING’s Festival Manager, Mary Watson said, “It’s wonderful to be part of such a unique and important Festival for its 2^nd outing as an Eventi Festival. We’ve got a jam packed schedule for the kids with some amazing industry professionals. It’s always a unique experience for the young people but this year is shaping up to be one to remember!” 

This instalment of the Festival will see children learn a very special Festival song composed and arranged by Ronan Holohan acclaimed Musical Director of Cork Opera House’s annual Pantomime, participants will learn to dance new and contemporary choreography, a range of songs, techniques and for the first time the children will work with REDFM’s Stevie G on his new hip-hop and DJing workshops New School! 

Stevie said, “I’m really looking forward to summerSING! this July, and introducing more young people to some of the workshops I’ve been doing; we are going to have great fun!”

Finally, the summerSING! week culminates in each child becoming a recording artist for a day as they experience a professional recording session at the Triskel Arts Centre. 

The first three days of the Festival will take place at Cork School of Music where children will learn all the vocals, lyrics, choreography, and performance skills they need to prepare for the end of week showcase and ensuring to make memories that will last a lifetime. The final two days of the Festival take place at the Triskel Arts Centre where participants will record their festival song and perform their showcase for family and friends. 

Registration for the festival is now open and early booking is advised – see www.summersing.ie for more details!  

press release

 

 

A Delayed Irish Whiskey Double. Pearse Single Malt & Fercullen 10 Year Old Single Grain

A Delayed Irish Whiskey Double

Pearse Single Malt & Fercullen 10 Year Old Single Grain

Pearse Single Malt Irish Whiskey 46%abv €90.00

Back in 2019, I visited the beautiful Pearse Lyons distillery in Dublin’s Liberties. As you’ll see on the label, the distillery dedicates their spirits to the people and place that make it! They didn’t make that much of this one, just 4,000 bottles of which this one is #3377.

After a lovely informative tour, we got down to the pleasure of tasting a few as the afternoon sunlight spread through the gorgeous stained glass windows, each showing a scene from the process of making whiskey.

This Single Malt was our final tasting of the session. It was a new style of bottle for Pearse and was intended to be the type used from then on.

Cooper at work in Pearse window.

The standard within the bottle impressed and I thought it was exceptional and this latest tasting leaves that opinion unchanged. It is, as you may know, all their own malt, raised in first and second fill Bourbon casks. 

They say: “It is the first five-year age statement Irish whiskey to appear from a new distillery in the whole of Ireland in more than 25 years. Presented in 4,000 individually numbered bottles, this limited release 5-Year-Old Single Malt was produced on two small-batch copper pot stills, and aged in bourbon casks.”

It is sweet, oaky, peppery. Still young, yet full of promise, all very encouraging indeed. This was actually the bottle that I bought before I left! Only getting around to it three years later but still loving its fruit of the grain, still giving it a big thumbs up.

Fercullen 10 Year Old Single Grain Irish Whiskey, 40% abv, €57.50

Carefully selected from rare stocks of aged Irish Whiskey, the Fercullen 10-year-old Single Grain Irish Whiskey has been aged exclusively in American white oak (ex Bourbon barrels) for over a decade before being re-casked to mature in fresh bourbon barrels. 

Produced by Powerscourt Distillery, it comes in a lovely gold colour. Vanilla, honey and spice in the sweet aromas (all through really), rounded and not overly intense. Beautifully smooth and balanced on the palate, sweet, crisp grain with complex combinations of oak and fruit. While flavours of vanilla and orchard fruits lead the palate, there are subtle combinations all the way, nothing jars at all, no extremes, easy sipping (no need for water) to a long and lovely finale with a sweet vanilla oak touch.

I tasted this first three years ago with the then Powerscourt master distiller Noel Sweeney. We actually started with it. Noel was not at all surprised at its success, “a star performer”, and he thinks that this particular category is generally “under-rated”. Again, I bought this bottle on that visit and only got around to it now.

Ready for 2019 tasting in Powerscourt

The Fercullen 10 year old is based on old stock made by Sweeney while at Cooley, where he began his 30 plus year whiskey career and stayed on after founder John Teeling sold to Beam in 2011.

Noel is a globally recognised expert who has been credited for the release of many international award-winning whiskeys and was inducted into Whisky Magazine’s celebrated ‘Hall of Fame’ in 2017.

Availability:

Celtic Whiskey still have some of the Pearse at €90.00.

And they have the Fercullen listed at €57.50