So what beers are people looking forward to trying? Or any breweries anyone is hoping to try for the first time? Personally I can't wait to try beers from Lough Gill Brewery. They're probably the newest Irish craft brewery to pop up. Based in Sligo, and set up by former White Hag man, their cheeky branding has caught the eye. Names like Thieving Bastard (a sly did at Heineken) and Heino-weiser (also obvious digs) are playful and will endear them to many craft beer geeks!
Some international breweries such as Brewdog, Stone, and Shipyard will be exhibiting at this years festival. The latter of which I have yet to try any beer from too so will be heading to their stand.
Below is a bit of a checklist of some beers that are on my must try list.... no change I'll get to all of them or I'll be on my ear! Well probably will anyway...
Trouble Brewing - Hard Candy: rhubarb, custard & vanilla cream ale.
For sheer curiosity sake as to how they can make this one work, I'm entrigued! Have to try this one. As a dessert it sounds delicious, let's see how it works as a beer.
Wicklow Brewery - WB40 IPA
Tried an early incarnation of this at the Great Irish Beer Festival. Then called Aurora, this was a fantastic IPA. Have to have more of this.
Eight Degrees Brewing - TransPacific IPA
New IPA from the guys in Mitchelstown launching at the festival. Don't know much about this one yet but 8D consistently knock out quality IPA's. Also an excuse to drop by their stand and get some Bandit smoked ale while I'm there.
Rascal's Brewery - Strawberry Vanilla Shake
Seems to be a bit of a theme going on here? Dessert beers?? I'm happy to try them all! Likeminded folks at Rascals and Trouble Brewing - they've even gone and done a collaboration brew for the festival: Something Witty, a lemongrass, ginger, lime and pear wit. Would be rude not to give it a taste.
Rye River Brewing Co. - Little Bangin IPA, Double Bangin IPA, Export Stout.
RRB are launching 3 new beers at the festival. Big and little brothers to Francis Big Bangin IPA come a session IPA at 3.8% abv (could be the smart move for the day) and a double IPA at 8% abv. If these live up to the juicy, hoppy freshness of the original we are in for a treat. Finally there's also a 6% export stout launching. Promises big espresso and dark chocolate flavours! Sounds good to me. Maybe I'll have it as part of my dessert trio!!
Of course, it's not all just about beer at Alltech (there's also cider and some spirits), food stalls and entertainment are a key part in the overall enjoyment of the day. The Pieman, Ploughmans Daughter and Keogh's are just some of the food vendors who will be there. Tokens bought at the event can be used for food as well as beer. And let's not forget... The 6 Nations is on and will be showing on Saturday!! Can't wait, great atmosphere, great beers and great food.
It all kicks off at 12.30 on Saturday with the Ireland v France match being shown live at 4.50 also.
Hope to see you all there! Cheers - TBH 🍻
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