Today was Father’s Day and when my wife asked what I wanted to do I didn’t hesitate before saying that I’d like to attend the Brewha in Bray’s Harbour Bar.
This small festival saw some local breweries showcasing their wares. Larkin’s Helles Lager was a great one to start off with. It was very clean and drinkable. I resisted the sweets and crisps that were also on offer, the beer was enough of a treat for me.
The Garden County Brewers were offering samples of their home brews. They couldn’t accept payment but they had a tip jar. I suspect all monies were swiftly invested in more malt and hops. I enjoyed their fruity Citra IPA.
Speaking of hops, Kev from Third Barrel put all of them into their new, brilliantly named, Shut Up Juice. It’s great to see Third Barrel up and running and developing a small range of hop bombs.
The lovely people from the Harbour Bar provided some delightfully messy pulled pork sliders and ribs.
Porterhouse had a new special on offer. I loved the Dudesque can artwork of Hazy Border. It’s a collaboration with Hillstown from the top part of our fair isle. If Brexit commentaries all tasted like this I’d have no problem.
Wicklow’s Chocolate and Coconut Stout did exactly what it promised on the tap badge. It’s one of the most coconutty beers I’ve tasted in a while and it would be lovely with some chocolate cake.
Wicklow Wolf’s Ranchero Rauchbier was smokey and interesting. This was a local affair but Wicklow Wolf were definitely the closest brewery to the event. They could’ve just rolled the kegs down the road for the weekend!
I saved the biggest beer until last. O Brother were pouring an untitled 9% Imperial Stout. It was very chewy and a great one to finish an afternoon session with. Fair play to Antrim Man aka Mark Molloy and the Harbour Bar crew for putting on a cracking wee festival. Hopefully this is one that will be returning in 2019. It’s going to be a busy summer of beer festivals so stay tuned for more. Sláinte!
