I was chatting to Graeme Hague about Athlone Beer Club a few weeks ago and he suggested holding it in O’Brien’s, my local off licence where he’s the assistant manager. Patrick McHugh, manager, was very happy to run with the idea, it would make a change from his usual wine tastings. The lads picked the beers and the wheels were in motion.
We started with Little Creatures Pale Ale from Australia. Not a bad way to kick off the evening.
Then we had the 8 Degrees Enigma and Graeme told everyone how the brewery got it’s name and I explained that Enigma is a new hop and that this is only the second time it has been used in this part of the world.
White Hag’s Tuireann Bán White IPA was a new arrival in O’Brien’s and it went down very well with everyone.
Wicklow Wolf’s Solar Eclipse Saison was up next. It’s a surprisingly dark saison and it was well liked, largely because of the caramel malt flavours.
Our last beer of the tasting was another White Hag, their White Sow Oatmeal Chocolate Milk Stout. This was definitely my favourite of the night. If you like your stout I highly recommend picking up a few bottles of this!
I think it went really well and thanks to the O’Brien’s crew for putting it together.
Then we had a short walk to The Shack for the night was still young.
We had to start off with the superlative Sheep Stealer from Black Donkey as they have it on draught and it would’ve been rude not to!
Crafty Hoor Sean Kelly was very happy with his Kinnegar Scraggy Bay IPA.
The Shack is after getting in a lot of new Irish beers since my last visit a few weeks ago.
I shared a Black Donkey Buck It with my Dad, he said it was ‘unique’ but that he was really impressed with the Sheep Stealer and will be ordering it again.
After a second Sheep Stealer, I went with Independent’s Pale Ale.
Some of these pictures are a bit dark, unless someone, ahem, shed some light on the subject, apologies for that, I wouldn’t mind but I had an actual camera in my pocket!
The lads made it to The Shack in no time after closing O’Brien’s!
St Mel’s Spring Bock is still tasting great.
I think the night was a great success, thanks to everyone who turned up and to The Shack for their hospitality. Next week we have our brew day in Bo Bristle, Banagher and a few recipe ideas were proposed last night, so that should be fun. Sláinte!