The first beer festival in Smyth’s on the Square, Navan took place yesterday. It was conceived and ran by Janice Beer Snob with a little help from Wayne Beer Snob. They had eight breweries and Vanguard Beer, barbecue and music. It was a recipe for a great Saturday evening. I started off with a Justice Pale Ale from Kelly’s Mountain Brew which was nice and crisp. After that I had a half of McGargles Cousin Rosie Pale Ale, I’m growing quite fond of that one.
I stuck with the Pale Ale’s and had Bru’s new Bru Pale Ale. Very good it is too. I have to admit their hand pump looked like hard work, the lads can skip this weeks visit to the gym.
Still as James from Vanguard pointed out, their clean up time would be a lot shorter than his!
I had some of the Four Provinces Hurler Copper Ale next for the day that was in it. They had shown the All Ireland Hurling Final on big screens in the beer garden while we were making our journey to Navan.
There was music as well with a pair of hipsterish looking dudes playing Bon Jovi’s greatest hits, then the guy pictured above serenaded us with Jolene followed by a gutsy version of There Is A Light so I was happy with that.
The Cider Correspondent had a great chat with the very genial Mr Dan Kelly’s Cider and the whole Broderick clan is going to visit the orchard next year at blossom time.
Then I had a Bo Bristle IPA and a burger from the barbecue, talk about a winning combination. Dave was in great form for a man who’s put in a long week at the ploughing championship.
It’s always good to catch up with my doppelganger Ian 11pm Somewhere. And chats were had with Aidan Brewsinternational.com too. A proper pair of knowledgeable gentlemen they are.
It looked like I was going to finish the night for the second time this weekend drinking a Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Aged beer. It was a stout this time. It’s a decent stout but I prefer the Ale.
Dave Bo Bristle had other plans for me though and he decided I couldn’t leave without having one of their Imperial Red Ales. I think Wayne Beer Snob likes the Imperial Red himself.
Once Dave chased him away from the tap he was able to pour me a beer and I finished the night saying goodbye to my beer drinking buddies. A really fantastic event, well done the Irish Beer Snobs! Sláinte!
