Last night I was able to revisit some old haunts and find a new one in Dublin. The evening began in Bison Bar on the quays. They cook some damn fine barbecue. You can’t go wrong with the succulent pulled pork and spicy burnt end beans. And beer? Well it’s primarily a whiskey bar but they have gotten in a few new beers since my last visit. I went for a Midnight Sun from Scottish brewery Williams Brothers. It’s a dark porter with some ginger thrown in for good measure. It’s quite dry and delicious, go to Bison for the food and have a couple of these while you’re at it.
Next stop on my itinerary was Farrington’s which is just around the corner from Bison. I have only learned about this bar recently but they have thirty eight beers on tap so how bad could it be? Well maybe I picked a bad night to go in but the music was terrible middle of the road whether it was from the live balladeers or the piped music that came between them. The sole saving grace was one song by The National which was somewhere in the mix. I said I’d get into the seasonal spirit and try a Santa Paws from another Scottish stable Brew Dog. It’s a dark brown ale which also had a hint of gingerbread. It’s not bad but I’d take another Midnight Sun given a choice.
Next up I had a Mash Tag which is also from Brew Dog. I was offered a schooner for €6 or a pint for €9. I opted for the former as it’s 7.5% and the night was still young. I was glad I made that choice. It’s like soup. It’s another brown ale that’s like a taste definition of the phrase ‘full flavoured’. This beer is aged with hazelnuts and oak chips so unsurprisingly there are hints of malt whisky (as opposed to whiskey, it is Scottish after all). I would recommend it but go easy on it as I did!
The Button Factory was the main destination for the night, the legendary Rocket From The Crypt were playing. I was very impressed with the bar which has had a recent make over. They now boast an impressive selection of beer on draft and in bottles. I choose to stick with Brew Dog and had a 5 A.M. Saint. This red ale is not a million miles away from their Dead Pony Ale which is a favourite of mine. This has a similarly flowery hops flavour. There’s some toffee malt as well which makes it a lovely balanced session beer.
The band were on rare form, Speedo’s voice a little ragged from this tour but charismatic to a fault. The crowd were true believers and happy to join in with any ‘dance’ moves that were requested from the stage. My ears rang at the end but I was happy.
Seeing as to how I am posting less I am going to include the following. While in Dublin I got my growler refilled in J.W. Sweetman’s and as their Christmas beer isn’t ready yet went with their Pale Ale. It’s a rich amber colour and has citrussy hops. A fine Pale Ale. So, Dublin, I wouldn’t live there, but it’s nice to be able to bring some home with me!