Two Lovely Whites from the southern half of France

Two Lovely Whites from

 the southern half of France

Terroir Feely “Luminosité” 2016, 13.5%, €19.00 Mary Pawle

The fruit for Luminosité is grown and the wine’s bottled by Sean and Caro Feely in Saussignac in Bergerac (next door to Bordeaux). They pack a fair bit of info onto the label: Vin de France sec, Sauvignon blanc 50%, Semillon 50%, zesty fruit, luminosity of nature, organic and biodynamic, hand-harvested, indigenous yeast, unfined, vegan friendly.

Light straw colour. Aromas of quince and gooseberry. Zesty flavours on the palate, quite intense, with a pleasant astringency, lovely mouthfeel too (has this been on its lees for a spell?), and a persistent finish. What’s not to like?

This Irish-South African couple “are passionate about the environment” and I think you can taste the difference here, without any funky stuff in either aroma or flavour. Highly Recommended. Find out more about the Feelys here - they have quite a lot to offer if you are visiting the area. 

Jacques Frelin “La Marouette” Chardonnay Pays D’Oc (IGP) 2018, 13%, €13.30 Mary Pawle

Colour of this organic Chardonnay from the South of France is a light straw. Pleasant floral aromas of modest intensity. This is a fresh one, peach and citrus flavours with a lively acidity to help at the table. Ideal as an aperitif or with a few grilled sardines. The label also indicates a match with shellfish and sole meuniere. Serve at 8-10 degrees for best results. 

For over thirty years now, Jacques Frelin has been at the forefront of the organic wine movement in France. While organic is often associated with small, this is not the case with Frelin who has vineyards all over the country including the Languedoc where this wine comes from, “very popular with our customers” says importer Mary Pawle and I can see why. Highly Recommended. Well priced too.

Wayward Spirits Announce Release of Batch 2 of ‘The Liberator Malt Whiskey in Tawny Port Finish’

Batch 2 of ‘The Liberator Malt Whiskey in Tawny Port Finish’ is now released.

‘The Liberator Small Batch: Double Port Finish’ Blend to be released this Autumn.

The ‘Lakeview Estate Single Estate Pot Still’ celebrates it’s 18 month birthday.

Wayward Irish Spirits is pleased to release Batch 2 of their Irish Malt Whiskey in Tawny Port Finish from The Liberator range of Bonded Whiskeys.  Matured initially in first fill American ex-Bourbon casks and then finished for 9-12 months in fresh ex Tawny Port casks, the Tawny Port finish contributes intensity, richness and complexity to the whiskey: figs, apple and pear on the nose, a rich taste of cocoa, clove and blackcurrant, and a warming long finish. 

Founder Maurice O’Connell says: “Despite the challenges of Covid-19, we’re thrilled with the response to the Inaugural Release earlier this year which is now almost sold out and are now releasing Batch 2. This is a limited release of 1,000 numbered bottles. Batch 2 has everything the Inaugural Release had but those extra 5 months have added to the roundness and balance. It is a vatting of single malts sourced from different distilleries: 22% is 2006 Cooley Single Malt, the balance is mostly 5 years with some 4 year Great Northern Distillery Single Malt. Bottled at 46% ABV, gently cut over 5-6 weeks, natural colour and not chill filtered, the RRP is €65”.  

The Liberator Small Batch: Double Port Finish will be released this Autumn. Maurice explains “We have been working during the lockdown on a blended Whiskey. Our first release has an unusually high malt content (42%), has been finished in Tawny and Ruby port casks and is a light and approachable but characterful Whiskey with a likely RRP of €49. There will also be a small Cask Strength release in half bottles in response to enthusiastic demand from the Whiskey community”. 

He adds “With pubs and bars closed, it’s been a challenge for people to taste and get to know our Whiskeys so we’ll be releasing miniature versions and have also started a partnering program with hotels”.

The Liberator Irish Whiskey celebrates the legacy of Daniel O’Connell, born in Kerry in 1775. The original campaigner for civil rights, heedless of race, gender or creed and often hailed as the greatest ever Irishman. Maurice adds “My forebear Daniel O’Connell’s independent spirit and sometimes wayward approach inspires how we craft whiskey at our family’s historic Lakeview Estate on the shores of Lough Leane in Killarney.”  

Alongside The Liberator (bonded Whiskey), the Lakeview Estate grows its own barley and laid down its first casks in early 2019. Maurice explains “We are proud to be celebrating the 18 month birthday of our Single Estate Pot Still spirit and are working towards grain-to-glass distilling here in 2024”. 

Just 1,000 numbered bottles of the Batch 2 of The Liberator Irish Whiskey Malt in Tawny Port Finish are available from 21^st August from leading suppliers including The Celtic Whiskey Shop and James Fox in Dublin, Fine Wines in Limerick, Carryout in Killarney and online through www.IrishMalts.com. Suggested retail price €65. Barry & Fitzwilliam have The Liberator for wider release in Ireland. 

Press release

Discover Enniscrone launches new campaign. Seaside town is a haven for holidaymakers seeking space

media release

Discover Enniscrone launches new campaign
Seaside town is a haven for holidaymakers seeking space
“Discover Enniscrone and make it yours” is the title of the dynamic new marketing campaign launched by international soccer, Gaelic football and Aussie Rules star Sarah Rowe, in the Ocean Sands Hotel on Friday 21 August 2020 for the Discover Enniscrone marketing group. Including a series of videos, photography shoots, a brochure and updated website, the campaign highlights this idyllic Wild Atlantic Way holiday destination. The nostalgic holiday memories of many extended families can become reality for many more today as COVID19 constrains travel abroad. Enniscrone is most definitely open for business and well equipped for the visitor’s every need. 

Speaking at the launch, Sarah Rowe revealed her strong attachment to the seaside town, saying, “Enniscrone is a paradise for me. It’s a place where people can immediately feel relaxed and leave their cares behind, surrounded by its natural beauty and the glorious beach. I have so many fond memories of holidays and days out there. It will always be a special place to me. I wish Discover Enniscrone every success in their marketing campaign and attracting new people to experience this for themselves.”

With its flagship sandy beach stretching for 5km, space is not an issue in the scenic seaside Sligo town. Add in a championship golf links, historic seaweed baths, surfing, supping, horse riding on the beach, cycling and all sorts of children’s activities, and it’s easy to see why Enniscrone is so beloved of family holiday groups. There really is just so much to do for every age and stage from toddlers right up to grannies and grandads. The range of accommodation is comprehensive, suiting every pocket with hotels, guesthouses, b&bs and campsite. An excellent food offering including award-winning restaurants like Gilroys and The Pilot Bar, and as befits a seaside town, the world’s best gelato from Gelati, completes the package. 

The Discover Enniscrone committee chairperson Mary Clarke of the Diamond Coast Hotel commented, “We are very proud of our village here in Enniscrone and to have witnessed the growth of the village and its amenities over the years has been wonderful.  Along with the natural resources here in the village we have also become a hub for water-based activities, supping, surfing, kite surfing, kayaking, etc. and the addition of the costal walk has truly enhanced Enniscrone and provides activities for all age groups”.

Sarah Rowe (centre) with (l-r): Eva Costello (Fáilte Ireland), Mary Clark (Discover Enniscrone), Cllr. Dara Mulvey and Mikee Hamilton (Harbour SUP & Sail). Photo Credit: Steve Rogers

Traditionally Enniscrone has attracted holidaymakers from Northern Ireland as well as all across the rest of Ireland. Many are loyal to Enniscrone, recalling childhood and teenage memories of the seaside, and bringing their own families back to enjoy the simple things that make holidays perfect. A pristine, sandy beach safe for bathing and perfect for sandcastles never goes out of fashion with children of any age. Clear water and consistent waves make it a paradise for watersports and adventure enthusiasts. Enniscrone is a place to reconnect with family and friends – and also to connect with yourself. It’s an idyllic holiday choice for young and old, friends, families or groups. 

The first of Discover Enniscrone’s videos has just gone live on www.discoverenniscrone.com. It highlights three generations of a family, spoilt for choice in Enniscrone as they choose activities to fill their day. Surfing, sandcastles, beach walks, golf (including crazy golf) and Kilcullen’s Edwardian seaweed baths all feature along with some delicious food and drink. There’s no exaggeration needed – Enniscrone really is that perfect for inter-generational holidaymakers. Everything is close at hand in Enniscrone too; just park up the car and leave all your cares behind. 

Enniscrone's new marketing campaign is funded by the Department of Community and Rural Development and the Islands and Sligo County Council
#DiscoverEnniscrone

http://www.discoverenniscrone.com
https://www.facebook.com/discoverenniscrone/
https://twitter.com/Dis_Enniscrone
https://www.instagram.com/enniscronesligo/

Amuse Bouche

He insisted that we mark the occasion of our first week on the job by indulging in the White House’s signature desert (sic), the Chocolate Freedom, a brownie cake that oozed hot fudge and was topped with vanilla ice cream and chocolate syrup. That easy year - campaigning, resigning, marrying, getting pregnant, and relocating to DC - had been a whirlwind, and we were finally pausing to celebrate. We clinked our dessert spoons as if they were champagne glasses and luxuriated in the sudden calm.

from The Education of an Idealist by Samantha Power (2019). Very Highly Recommended.

Go with the flow in Athlone this Autumn

Go with the flow in Athlone this Autumn

Heart of Ireland Tours

If you think tourism has looked a bit frantic over the summer, a slow break in Athlone could be just the ticket for your Autumn break away. Inspired by the River Shannon, lazily meandering south from Lough Ree, Athlone is embracing slow tourism with enthusiasm. River cruises, walking tours, gentle cycling routes and relaxing spa treatments all play their part in creating the ultimate laid-back holiday experience in Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands. 

Athlone town straddles the Shannon and a peaceful trip on Ireland’s longest river is the ideal way to orientate yourself while someone else does the navigating. The River Run pleasure cruise is 75 minutes of entertainment and engaging history, best enjoyed with a glass in hand from the onboard bar. Viking Tours take you on a replica Viking vessel either upstream to Lough Ree or down to the remarkable monastic site of Clonmacnoise. Viking Mike himself is a bottomless well of fascinating information and local lore. Sit back and enjoy the panoramic views during these watery adventures both starting from the Castle. 

For 900 years Athlone Castle has guarded a strategic crossing of the mighty River Shannon and still today the magnificent 12-sided stone structure dominates the town centre. Historic Athlone hides many secrets within its ancient streets and Vincent of Athlone Guided Tours knows every single one. The leisurely walking tour is a fascinating insight into the town's history, folklore, industrial heritage and more. The Castle is open to the public and offers an excellent experiential tour. Next door the Luan Gallery showcases national and international artists in an incomparable riverside setting.

Wineport Lodge

Another enthralling tour is the Athlone Whiskey Walking tour led by Deirdre who has forgotten more about the amber nectar than most of us will ever know. 270 years are distilled into an afternoon of stories, yarns and tastings – with locally handcrafted chocolate to complement the tipple. On the wonderfully named Custume Quay lies Athlone’s only brewery. Dead Centre Brewing offer a combined experience including brewery tour, beer tasting and pizza. Now there’s a combination that’s hard to resist.  

Award winning restaurants abound in Athlone and the surrounding area. The choice is very broad, from fine dining to a more casual experience. Check out Thyme with its coveted Michelin Bib Gourmand, The Fatted Calf, The Left Bank Bistro and Savoury Fare or Wineport Lodge in lovely Glasson village, the ‘village of the roses’, where time seems to stand still. 

If a little gentle exercise seems like a good idea, try hiring a bike and cycling the old rail trail, a safe 40km Greenway stretching all the way to Mullingar. Or take out your golf clubs and play a round or two at Athlone Golf Club on Hodson Bay or Glasson Golf Club, designed by Christy O’Connor Junior. That should work up an appetite for your next gastronomic treat. 

John Coffey of Thyme

If you’d like to explore more of Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands, take a trip out of town with Heart of Ireland tours offer bespoke, ready to go and customisable tours. 

In Athlone everything is just a stroll away and if you’re staying in the historic town core you can walk everywhere at your leisure. No need for cars or taxis. 

Given its central location, getting to Athlone is straightforward either by car or train, it is pretty much in the middle of the country and very accessible. It has an excellent choice of accommodation to suit all pockets, both in the town and at Glasson and Hodson Bay. The tourist sector in Athlone has been particularly responsive to COVID19 requirements making it a very safe choice for your autumn staycation.

media release

A Quart of Ale± #8. Moving on over to craft. Kinnegar, To Øl City, West Cork Brewery, O'Hara's, Pale Ales.

A Quart of Ale± #8

Moving on over to craft with four very interesting ales

Kinnegar “Limeburner” Pale Ale, 4.7%, 440ml can, Bradley's of Cork

Lovely light gold colour on this one; a fair bit of haze but you do see the bubbles rising. It is floral and hoppy on the nose. Crisp and refreshing in the mouth with a pleasant hoppy finalé. Not at all overly hoppy and a beer that could well prove a “gateway” beer on the way from mass beers to craft. Easy to quaff and one to note if you haven’t already. One of their first beers and still going strong as part of their core range.

It is unfiltered, naturally carbonated. When pouring leave any natural sediments (I didn’t see any) at the bottom. Well balanced and easy to enjoy this one! By the way, if you moving into craft, try this as one of your early steps! I did, and it’s never too far away from my mind when I enter a bar.

The story.  A bright white light from Fanad Head once illuminated the Limeburner (a 40m high hidden sea pinnacle where Lough Swilly meets the Atlantic), guiding passing ships away from danger. “Phew,” said the skipper when they left that pinnacle behind. “Pass me a Kinnegar there boy.”

To Øl City “House of Pale” Pale Ale 5.5%, 44cl can, Bradley's of Cork

A slight step up in alcohol for the Danish Pale Ale (compared to the Kinnegar) but the colour and the head is much the same as their Session. A little more hop in the aromas. More flavour and less crisp but, as they say themselves, come here to “get your full-bodied juicy fix”.  That smoothness shows a lot of malt but the hops is not shy either and that juicy stuff is a treat. Put this on your short list for sure.

They say: House Of Pale is one of the recipes we’ve taken from our beloved mad laboratory (brewpub!) in Copenhagen, BRUS. It’s seen many changes and tweaks over this year, experimenting with hop doses and overall ‘crispiness’ - and now we’re pretty sure we’ve got exactly what we’ve been looking for. 

Hops in the ale are Mosaic and Simcoe while the long line of malts consist of Chit Malt, Flaked Oats, Golden Naked Oats, Melanoidin, and Pilsner.

West Cork “Sherkin Lass” Pale Ale 4.4%, 500ml bottle, Bradley’s of Cork

Mid amber is the colour of this cloudy pale ale by the West Cork Brewery in Baltimore. The head barely outlasts the pour. They use their own well water here and the beer is obviously unfiltered.

Citrus in the aromas. Makes quite an immediate impression on the palate, fresh and lively, sharp citrus notes again, pineapple and passionfruit too, more malt than hops, just lightly, but noticeably, bitter, almost halfway to a sour. Quite a distinctive mouthful. Refreshing and quite a thirst quencher.

Hops used are: Columbus, Centennial, Galaxy, and Liberty. It is unfiltered, unpasteurised and vegan friendly as only whirlfloc (Carrageen moss) is used to aid the clarification.

O’Hara’s Irish Pale Ale (Dry hopped IPA) 5.2%, 50cl bottle SuperValu.

Mid amber is the colour of this well-made Irish Pale Ale. IPA all over the labels; nowhere is the word Indian mentioned, but I still wonder is it Irish Pale or Indian. Anyhow we’ll be soon going on to the IPAs. Quite often, it is hard enough to classify some beers. I’ve even got one here at the moment labelled an Indian Pale Lager!

Aromas are definitely hoppy, Indian Pale Ale hoppy. The head by the way starts frothy and large enough but soon gets down to barely a white disc. Actually, I’m nowadays inclined to dispense with the 45 degree angle when pouring and lash it in, the reward being more a substantial head that, in this case at least, gives you the pleasure, just visual, of a longer stay.

On the palate though, this one makes you sit up and take notice with the fruit and floral notes of the hops plus the zesty lasting bitterness. Lip-smacking, for sure.

They say: “A Contemporary style IPA with an Irish twist. Combining the balance of European IPAs with the generous dry hopping of American pale ales (APAs), this beer is everything an IPA should be and more.”

Brewery Food Tips: works incredibly well alongside the BBQ, with spicy food and shellfish. Serve at 6-8 degrees.

Next session: American Pale Ales, including the Sierra Nevada, the original gateway beer for drinkers seeking to access craft

DESIGN POP FESTIVAL 2020 CANCELLED

STATEMENT FROM DESIGN POP FESTIVAL 2020

PLANNED FOR 28-30 AUGUST

After much deliberation, following the recent government restrictions around COVID19, it is with a heavy heart that Cork’s Design and Food Festival, Design POP, has made the decision to cancel this year’s event, which was scheduled to take place next week from August 28th to August 30th.

The 3-day event, which had carefully planned social distancing guidelines in place based on the previous government guidelines, would have injected creativity and colour across the city, with 3 pop-up pavilions supporting Designers and local food producers, an Irish Design Shop, exhibition, a furniture-designer showcase, and discussions from special guests MASER, WhyDesign Founder Kim Mackenzie-Doyle, plus over 16 free talks and workshops.

Festival Director Amy McKeogh commented:

“Design POP is about creativity, interaction, and brings joy to the public realm and under the current government restrictions, we would not be able to do so. With the confusion, and conflicting information from the Government, and the fact that the festival HQ, Thompson House, is not deemed to be a gallery, theatre, or cinema, we have come to the really difficult decision to cancel the event.

The outdoor pavilions are about fun, engagement and design, and with the number of people reduced to 15 people, I feel it becomes more about restrictions and less about the intentions of the festival.

I would like to extend a huge thank you to all designers, food producers, sponsors, speakers and makers who have already invested so much of their time and energy in the making of this event over the past few months. All ticket holders will be refunded their money in the coming days.

The Design POP team is already making plans and gearing up to make our 2021 festival bigger and better. We thank everyone for all the support over the past year. Take care and stay safe.”

Two Very Highly Recommended Wines from the North of Italy

Two Very Highly Recommended Wines from the North of Italy

GD Vajra Nebbiolo Langhe (DOC) 2018, 14.5%, €29.99

Searsons Wine Merchants, Baggot Street Wines, The Corkscrew, Clontarf Wines, Sweeneys D3, Ely Wine Store Maynooth, 

Mid ruby is the colour of this Langhe Nebbiolo. Vibrant aromas, fragrantly fruity and floral, invite you to explore further. The flavours are pristine, elegant dark and handsome fruit, cut with sweet spices and minerality, silky tannins, and there’s no shortage of acidity to make it a welcome guest at the table. The label promises elegance, pleasure and refinement; the contents deliver, in the most harmonious way. Very Highly Recommended.

.

They say: Whenever possible, we pick this fruit in the early hours of each day. Maceration is long and very gentle, so to retain lift and energy to this wine. Variety is 100% Nebbiolo from young estate vineyards, ranging from 7 to 25 years of age.  Our Langhe DOC Nebbiolo ages for 8 to 14 months on average. It is a wide range, in order to respect the uniqueness of each vintage and patiently await for the optimal bottling time. Most of the ageing is carried in stainless-steel vats, with a minor fraction of the wine being in neutral oak only when needed.

GD Vajra have been farming organically since 1971 but they didn’t get off to the best of starts. Giuseppe, during an April online masterclass, said he was dragged away from his soccer games (he was playing too much of it - well he was just 15) to plant his first vineyard. 

He and his current team are still youthful and he is proud of their work. “We hope we get wiser as we go on. We started organically and our first vintage in 1972 was not a good one, not worth ageing!” The whole extended family are at work here in this “multicultural team” near the village of Barolo. Perhaps, that first vintage was a disappointment but there have been many good ones since including this 2018.

As you know, Nebbiolo is the grape from which the famous Barolo is made and GD Vajra have some gems, quite a few available via Liberty Wines (who supply the stockists listed above). During the masterclass on the outstanding 2016 vintage, Giuseppe spoke eloquently. 

Then a tough question: “Which is your best cru from 2016?” Very hard for Giuseppe to answer as they had invested so much hard work into each. He didn’t really want to pick one but, under gentle pressure, went for the Barolo Bricco delle Viole for “its flair and elegance”. So there’s a nice tip for you. And I’d safely say the 2016 vintage of our Nebbiolo Langhe would also be one to snap up if you come across it.

The Langhe is a hilly subregion in the province of Piemonte.

Pieropan Soave (DOC) Classico 2019, 12%, €16.99

Jus de Vine, Grapevine, James Redmond and Sons Ltd, Kelly`s Off Licence, 

McHughs Off Licence - Kilbarrack Rd, Martins Off Licence, 64 Wine, C Morton & Son Ltd, Clontarf Wines, Ely Wine Store, Maynooth, The Corkscrew

In the 1960s, Soave wine came from the Classico region. But the economic boom of the 70s, saw Soave (like Chianti) expand beyond the original area. And it proved a disaster. 

During a recent Liberty Wines organised online masterclass, Andrea Pieropan explained: “The DO expanded into the flat area where the yields were higher, the season shorter and there was less personality in the wines.” He explained that no area in Italy has such a difference between the Classico and the surrounds.

So, quantity reigned and quality was hard to find. Soave became something of a dirty word. Many avoided the wine but, according to Vino Italiano, that meant “missing out on the elegant floral whites of Leonildo Pieropan whose Soaves show off the plump mouth-filling character of ripe Garganega.”

Today’s Soave is usually fresh and expressive and that is certainly the case with this Classico, the freshest youngest wine in the Pieropan family range. It is 85% Garganega with Trebbiano contributing the balance.

The nose is delicate and elegant, with pleasant floral notes. Plump and mouth-filling certainly, terrific depth of fruit and a lively acidity, persistent finish. Excellent and Very Highly Recommended.

Suggested pairings include soups, starters, especially vegetable based such as asparagus, peas, courgette, egg-based dishes or seafood and fresh water fish dishes. It is an excellent aperitif, especially when served with simple canapés. Serve at 12°C.

Soave is perhaps the most famous Italian white wine DOC. You'll find it in the Veneto wine region of northeastern Italy.

Blackwater Tasters Club, Paddy Borthwick Collection, White Hag, Graham Norton and more on wine, beer and spirits in Cheers #17

Blackwater Tasters Club, the Paddy Borthwick Collection, White Hag, Graham Norton's 10m bottles and more on wine, beer and spirits in Cheers #17. Even a recipe! The Blackwater Distillery Tasters Club Launches "We are thrilled to launch Blackwater Tasters Club, Ireland's first craft distillery subscription club, and you are one of the first to know. This month's box containing a Jaffa Cake Gin & lip-smacking Limoncello - fresh from our stills! Subscribe and you will receive two of these experimental, once off and utterly delicious gins or other spirits delivered straight from our distillery to your door every 2 months. All the info here. Paddy Borthwick Collection! Wines Direct are pleased to present to you an exceptional case featuring the best of New Zealand's Paddy Borthwick. Paddy Borthwick is a regular visitor to Ireland, and a firm favourite with Wines Direct customers and staff for two reasons: his wines are excellent, and he is a charming, easy-going guy who is great company. Paddy is a maverick whose experience in the vineyards of France and Switzerland has made him into one of New Zealand's most talented winemakers. More here. The White Hag Offers Fresh Beer (& Face masks)

Some new mixes up on the store including our Craft Range Sample #1 mix, IPA Range Sample mix. A fresh batch of Bran & Sceolan - Irish IPA is also just off the line and ready to fill your fridge! A limited stock of our face-masks are also back in stock and can be purchased along with your beer order! More info here.

GRAHAM NORTON ANNOUNCES 10 MILLION BOTTLES!

• Graham Norton’s wine and spirits range celebrates landmark year with ten million bottles

• Graham Norton’s Own Sauvignon Blanc and Prosecco are now amongst the top three selling wines in their respective categories in Ireland.

18,311 kilometers apart and an 11-hour time difference - watch as Graham Norton and Invivo & Co make their new wine virtually! Over a two hour video call, the business partners made their new wine and you can check out the highlights here.

WATCH GRAHAM MAKE HIS NEW SAUVIGNON BLANC VIRTUALLY NOW here

The new blend of Sauvignon Blanc is out in September

Spanish Wine and Tapas:

Manchego Cheese with Red Wine & Honey Glazed Chorizo. 

An easy recipe to enliven your staycation!

Many of you would be living the Tapas life as we speak, but because of the current situation, we find ourselves recreating holidays at home. Our contribution to your staycation is A Ticket to Spain case and a tasty (and easy) Tapas recipe for Manchego Cheese with Red Wine & Honey Glazed Chorizo. See the recipe here.

A Quart of Ale± #7. Moving on over to craft with a classy quartet

A Quart of Ale± #7

Moving on over to craft with a classy quartet.

Here, and in #8, we'll be trying a few pale ales that could well help a beer drinker make the move from mass produced stuff to a really good beer. As it happens, the quartet are Irish, and each is very approachable indeed. If you're a bit unsure as to where to start, why not try the Ambush and then move on back up to the Howling Gale (my favourite of the four).

Eight Degrees Howling Gale Pale Ale 4.5%, 440ml can, Bradley’s of Cork

With its familiar label statement of Fresh Citrus and Grapefruit, Howling Gale blew into our lives about nine years ago. We’ve changed a lot since then but not this superb ale, one they got more or less correct from the off, and is still their most popular beer.

You get a smack around the gills, they say, when you sup this refreshing ale. But nothing fishy about this Ballyhoura hero, perfectly formed from day one. Pleasant citrus aroma from the Cascade and Simcoe Hops, these hops and sweet malt harmonious on the palate and the bittering hops are waiting for you at the finalé. No shortage of carbonation in this mid-amber ale and no regrets when you pull that tab and pour. Enjoy - you’re in good company.

They say: This Irish Pale Ale delivers a refreshing crisp smack around the gills. With a pleasant grapefruit citrus aroma from Cascade and Simcoe hops, it has a biscuit malt sweetness, followed by an attractive bitter finish.

Style: Irish Pale Ale
Malt: Irish pale malt, Carapils, Munich, Cara
Hops: Nugget, Cascade, Simcoe
Strength: 4.5% ABV
Bitterness: 38 IBUs

As always, Eight Degrees come up with Food Pairings:  Pale Ales are traditionally seen a great foil for spicy food – there’s a little bit of sweetness there that will cut the chilli burn – but don’t miss the chance to have Howling Gale with fish and chips (or in the batter for the fish!). It’s well worth trying with a Cashel Blue and Broccoli Gratin, the bright citrus notes act like a squeeze of lemon with smoked salmon or pair it with semi-soft, washed rind cheeses like Milleens, Durrus and Gubbeen.

12 Acres Pale Ale 4.6abv, 500ml bottle, SuperValu

This golden Pale Ale is the flagship beer from the 12 Acres Brewery in County Laois. Our Land to Your Glass is the logo here, based on the fact that all of the water used and some of the barley comes from the family farm.

Mid-amber is the colour, slightly hazy and not that much carbonation going on. The white head stays for a while but soon contracts to a thin disc. Aromas are modest. 

Their own plus “a small quantity of three other European speciality malts” add texture and a sweet caramel flavour on the palate before the three American hops (Cascade, Willamette and Citra) get their say towards the end.

They say the beer has more emphasis on the malt flavour than a traditional APA, has a distinctive American Pale Ale bitterness and citrus flavour. “Our pale ale is also dry hopped to give a lovely tropical fruit aroma to the finished beer. Best served 6-8 degrees. It goes great with spicy foods!”

Wicklow Wolf Elevation Pale Ale 4.8%, 440ml can Bradley’s of Cork

Nice bright amber colour with bubbles rushing to the white head that soon fades away. A mildly hoppy aroma. The hops edge it on the palate, good flavour overall and a very easy-drinking beer, welcome as a once off or for a session. Another excellent effort, a more or less perfect Pale Ale, from the Wolf.

They say: An incredibly drinkable Pale Ale bursting with juicy fruits of pineapple and grapefruit from an abundance of hop additions. Refreshing.

Food pairings: roasted or grilled meat.

Cheese Mild or medium cheddar.

Serve at 8 degrees. It is unfiltered, unpasteurised and the IBU is 40.

Hops: Mosaic, Mandarina Bavaria, Calypso

Malt: Pale, Cara Ruby, Melano, Wheat.

Trouble Brewing Ambush Juicy Pale Ale, 5.0%, 440ml can, Bradley's of Cork

This is a hazy beer (little evidence of carbonation) with a light straw colour, and a soft white head that slowly sinks. Exotic fruit aromas, mango and pineapple, hops too, in the mix. And then much the same fruits combining delightfully on the palate, this juicy pale ale, with its moderately hoppy backbone, makes you stop and take notice. 

You’ve been ambushed. So, sit back and relax with each silky juicy mouthful (make that each sip - you’ll want to let the magic linger), as you’ve got one of the best of class in your hand.

Malts used are Irish Pale, Oats (credited with imparting the smoothness), Carapils and Crystal while hops are Mosaic, El Dorado and Citra. 

They say: Trouble Brewing is a craft brewery based in Kill, Co. Kildare, set up in 2009 by three close friends Paul, Thomas and Stephen. Trouble Brewing is one of a small number of Irish breweries producing quality craft beer in order to offer people an alternative to the large multinationals, that spend more money on advertising than on ingredients, and specialise in bland.