Monday, September 23, 2024

Beer Of The Week. Connemara Irish Lager. "consistently high-quality beers are what we’re all about"

 Beer Of The Week  

Connemara Irish Lager, 4.5% ABV, 330 ml can (€2.99) Lidl Kickstart



consistently high-quality beers are what we’re all about


Connemara Brewing is very proud of this lager. “Our signature product is a refreshing, clean and robust lager. It features a pleasingly spicy and floral bitterness from our Žatecký (Saaz*) hops, backed up with a slight maltiness from a blend of Irish and continental grains, and a crisp, clean finish from our specially selected yeast and open fermentation process”.


There is no argument with that brewery assessment. Packed with delicious flavour and with that spicy bitterness shining through, this high-quality beer, with its clean and refreshing finish, deserves a place in the Very Highly Recommended selection BEER OF THE WEEK. 


They say: Our focus is on making a small number of beers really well—consistently high-quality beers are what we’re all about. Connemara is blessed with some of the highest-quality water in the world, which, combined with the highest-quality raw materials and crafted by the know-how of our world-class brewers, results in consistently high-quality beers.


The soft Connemara water is a big help in brewing lager, and brewer Aine O’Hora makes the best of it and the other ingredients. Aine moved home to Galway following a phenomenally successful and diverse career in brewing. She has been brewing continuously since finishing her science degree almost 20 years ago (further complemented by a Master's in Brewing and distilling). She has both started and run start-up craft and large breweries.


The brewer used the open fermentation process, which is still relatively common in the UK, Germany, and Belgium, even though many craft and most large brewers do not use it. Check it out here.


I unexpectedly came across this can (and those of a few other breweries) at the Kickstart promotion in the local Lidl, where dozens of Irish producers get a chance to make an impact. Kickstart began on September 19th and will continue for a limited time or while stocks last.

 

If you are in Connemara, why not try a guided tour of the brewery, followed by a tasting of some of their beers? All tours must be pre-booked. Get all the details at info@connemarabrewery.com



  • This hop is generally used for Bohemian-style lagers and pilsners

Friday, September 20, 2024

Duckett's Grove: A Journey Through Time. A World of History and Enchantment

Duckett's Grove: A Journey Through Time

Step into a World of History and Enchantment


Cornfield and tree, from the stableyard


Duckett's Grove, a captivating blend of history and ruined beauty, awaits your exploration. Once a grand mansion, it now stands as a magnificent silhouette, a testament to a bygone era.

Duckett's Grove was the heart and soul of the

Beer of the Week. O'Hara's Irish Pale Ale. A Hoppy Delight.

Beer of the Week


O'Hara's Irish Pale Ale, 5.2% ABV, on draught at the Lord Bagenal Inn in Leighlinbridge, County Carlow

A Hoppy Delight

O'Hara's Irish Pale Ale is a refreshing and flavourful brew that captures the essence of the modern style. With its balanced bitterness, zesty aroma, and long-lasting finish, this beer is a must-try for any craft beer enthusiast and is our Beer of the Week.

The copper-toned body is topped with a lightly carbonated head, inviting you to take a sip. The dry hopping adds a burst of fruit and floral notes, creating a complex and aromatic experience. The bitterness is well-balanced, providing a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the malt.




A Perfect Pairing

Very enjoyable in The Lord Bagenal Inn, especially after a day's wandering in the beautiful County Carlow, where this beer is produced. Its refreshing flavours and crisp finish make it a versatile beer that pairs well with a variety of foods including my delicious Asian-style Roast Duck and my companion's Chicken Curry in the Inn's restaurant.

Also on this trip:

Arboretum Garden Centre & Cafe

Three lovely riverside towns in Carlow: Leighlinbridge, Bagenalstown and Borris

O'Hara's Craft Beer

BAHT Thai

The Lord Bagenal Inn

Duckett’s Grove

Cafe Mullichain


Thursday, September 19, 2024

Taste of the Week. Organic Gravadlax by Ummera Smokehouse

Taste of the Week. 

Organic Gravadlax by Ummera Smokehouse



Anthony Creswell's award-winning Ummera Smokehouse is situated in rural West Cork by the banks of the Argideen River. Here, near the village of Timoleague, Anthony smokes both fish and meat.

In 2008, he introduced their Organic Gravadlax, which was honoured with the Gold Medal in the 2008 Great Taste Awards in its first year of

Easy drinking blend of Trebbiano and a small dash of Chardonnay, zippy and fresh. Madregale Terre di Chieti Bianco

Cantina Tollo Madregale Terre di Chieti Bianco (IGP) 2022, 12.5% ABV

RRP: €13.50. Stockists: 64 Wine DublinBradley’s of CorkGreenman DublinLe Caveau Kilkenny 



Easy drinking blend of Trebbiano and a small dash of Chardonnay, uncomplicated, zippy and fresh.


Looking for an easy-drinking white that doesn’t

Wednesday, September 18, 2024

Savour the Flavours of Culture Night. After Hours at Cork’s Historic English Market

press release 

Savour the Flavours of Culture Night 

After Hours at Cork’s Historic English Market


Preparations are underway for a vibrant evening of culture and community at the English Market, a culinary hub in the heart of Cork City. This Friday, September 20th, from 6:30 PM until 9 PM, the market will open its historic doors after hours for a

BAHT. An Authentic Thai Dining Experience In Carlow

 BAHT. An Authentic Thai Dining Experience In Carlow

Superb Thai food and very comfortable chairs!

A wealth of Thai experience lies behind the menu in Carlow town’s BAHT. The new Thai-owned restaurant sees seasoned chefs and fresh talent bring you authentic Thai flavours. Enjoy dishes infused with traditional medicinal herbs, crafted with passion and care. We certainly gave it a big thumbs up on a recent Tuesday evening when the room was close to capacity.


It is a lovely room on

Tuesday, September 17, 2024

Thursday Treat Alert As The Good Dairy's Delicious Ice Cream Hits Lidl Shelves

Thursday Treat Ahead As The Good Dairy's Delicious Ice Cream Hits Lidl Shelves


There’s a treat coming up on Thursday for

Three lovely riverside towns in Carlow: Leighlinbridge - Bagenalstown - Borris.

Three lovely riverside towns in County Carlow: 

Leighlinbridge - Bagnalstown - Borris.

The Barrow flows under the old 9-arch bridge and past the ruined Black Castle in Leighlinbridge.

The old Norton maltings in Bagenalstown that may yet get a new lease of life.

A walk into history on the banks of The Barrow

The River Barrowis a link between the three small towns of Leighlinbridge (pop. c 1k), Bagenalstown (2.8k) and Borris (0.7k). The Barrow is one of the Three Sisters and runs through much of County Carlow. 

I don't know how long the trip between

Final Countdown Begins for the Taste of Kildare Festival of Food & Drink at Naas Racecourse

Gareth Naughton, Head Chef of Neighbourhood, Naas

 Final Countdown Begins for the Taste of Kildare Festival of Food & Drink at Naas Racecourse


              

 

The Taste of Kildare Festival of Food & Drink, brought to you by Into Kildare and supported by Ballymore and Kildare County Council’s Local Enterprise Office, is just days away! From September 20th to 22nd, Naas Racecourse in Co. Kildare will come alive with a

Monday, September 16, 2024

Enjoy The Lifestyle Experience at Arboretum's Flagship Store In Carlow

Escape the Ordinary: 

A Day at Arboretum, Carlow

The first thing that caught my eye was the colourful urinals in the venue’s toilets! San Francisco artist  Clark Sorenson was commissioned to design the sanitary ware with a floral theme. He got it spot-on as will most, if not all, of the male visitors! 


Craving a Refreshing Oasis? Look no further than Arboretum in Leighlinbridge, County Carlow! This haven for all things green and delicious is the perfect escape from the ordinary.

Fuel Your Adventure at Rachel's Café

After your scenic (and perhaps rainy) drive, recharge at

Friday, September 13, 2024

A Very Highly Recommended Reserva Double from Portugal's Vale De Lobos

A Very Highly Recommended Reserva Double from Portugal's Vale De Lobos 


Vale De Lobos Touriga Nacional Reserva Tejo 2021, 13.5% ABV.

€20.00 (on offer 16) Matson's Bandon, Grange and Youghal



“a round, persistent and balanced wine”

The colour of this 100% Touriga Nacional from Portugal’s Tejo, is a dense ruby. Aromas are complex (plum and blueberry) and the intense violet (typical of the variety) heading the posse.  And they remain through the palate where you will most definitely note spices and vanilla (it has spent 8 months ageing in French oak barrels).

A round, persistent and balanced wine with a

Cherish a unique, special, and unrepeatable wine. Tio Pepe Fino En Rama.

Tio Pepe Fino En Rama Jerez (DO Sherry)

€25.00 Bradleys


Cherish a unique, special, and unrepeatable wine.


Our Fino En Rama, from the sherry triangle, comes in an inviting golden colour. Notes of yeast in the aromas. And immediately it hits the palate - captivating, fresh, intense, smooth and with a