When it comes to talking about Irish beers, the Irish talk stout. Once that’s done, come ales, lagers and a wide variety of craft beers from the rapidly emerging craft beer industry in Ireland. While the average price of a pint of beer in Dublin ranges from $4.95 to $6.59, with Guinness products usually topping the price list, there are luxury beers which perhaps only few will enjoy, and highly recommended craft beers from several small breweries dotting the country. Craft beers are generally more expensive to produce than the standard favorites produced by the mass beer brewing industry.
Guinness, Beamish & Crawford and Murphy’s are often referred to as the Big Three of Irish brewing, and their volume certainly exceeds that of the small craft brewing enterprises. This explains why the most well-known, popular beers; including Guinness Black Lager, Murphy’s Irish Red Ale, Smithwick’s Irish Ale, Harp Lager, Kilkenny’s Irish Cream Ale and O’Hara’s Irish Wheat Ale or Celtic Stout are some of the most often recommended. They are excellent beers offered at reasonable prices and exported around the world.The excellent microbreweries are now in the greatest number in Ireland that there have ever been. The popularity of their products are changing the way people view what is excellent; moving to try new recipes from the many craftsmen who are seeking to build solid reputations for their excellent brews.
These next five top the list of the most expensive Irish beers, though it is prudent to note that prices vary by vendor, and to consider that Guinness has generations of reputation behind its brands. The newer craft beers may not command prices in the same league as the traditional favorites, but are trending in their own right.
Guinness 1759 is a 9 percent ABV amber ale. Its name comes from the year that company founder Arthur Guinness began his lease in Dublin of St. James’ Gate. It sells for $34.99 per 24.5 ounce bottle. It is a black, cage-and-cork bottle nestled in a black velvet-lined box. It will only be brewed once, and then the company will discard the 200 year old recipe. Only 90,000 bottles will be sold.
Guinness 1798 Extra Double Stout is offered for sale at $31.99 for a 25 ounce bottle. This is a seasonal selection which will be only available in extremely limited quantities in November of 2015. This stout is named after the year that Arthur Guinness commissioned what would be the first of many wooden vats used for storing his dark beers, which included porter and stout. The recipe used to make this seasonal beer is one of the classic versions, but updated for modern taste and technology. The recipe uses 100% Irish malt, the home roasted barley that Guinness has made famous, crystal malt and Challenger hops. The entire over the French oak wood of the vat house. This is one recipe that reminds beer lovers why Guinness has continued to dominate the beer brewing industry in Ireland for generations.
Blacks Rocketship is produced by Blacks Kinsale Craft Brewery in Kinsale, County Cork. It is an Imperial IPA style beer with an ABV of 6.50%. It has been offered online at €14.76 a bottle. This microbrewery was founded in 2013 by husband and wife team, Sam and Maudeline Black. Their first venture into brewing came after Maudeline gifted Sam with a Valentine’s Day home brewing kit. He started this hobby, but it quickly became his passion, and the two have since been focused on creating the best craft beers possible. Their company goal is to provide delicious alternatives to mass produced beers.
Kenmare Pale Red Ale is made under contract with Bru Irish Brewery for Cork’s Little Island Brewing Company. It is rich tasting, ruby colored beer which is emerging in the craft beer circles as a very nice newer Irish beer. It has been offered for sale on the internet for €14.36. Bru Brewery was established in 2013 in Meath, Ireland. Their lager, ale and roast malts are completely sourced in Ireland. The company is avidly working to collaborate with other breweries, using their facilities to create excellent craft beers where necessary.
O’Hara’s Barrel Aged Series Leann Follain Irish Stout is an award winning, extra Irish stout with an ABV of 8.15. The brew’s name comes from the Gaelic meaning “wholesome stout”. It is a cork-and-cage bottle offered in limited €11.50 per 750MLd. Created by Carlow Brewing Company, an independent Irish family business since 1996, this beer is full bodied, opaque black, and has a classic flavor of chocolate and hops. It also has hints of vanilla and an aroma of mocha. The beer pours to cap with a deep tan head. Though the company recommends serving this beer at a temperature between 6 to 8 degrees centigrade, it is also traditional in southeast Ireland to serve it at room temperature. The company is dedicated to creating craft beers which are true to the Irish heritage of the River Barrow region where it is located. The company strives to create Celtic beers and ciders which are historic in spirit, yet reflect all the modern techniques available to a fine microbrewery.
Due to the emerging nature of craft beers in Ireland, it is important to note that many craft labels have become very popular both in Ireland and abroad. Though these are not as pricey as others, they are some of the most often recommended names in craft beers by beer reviewing websites. As Ireland’s microbrewery industry rapidly grows, these labels are challenging the traditional mass produced beers. Recommended are Bru Lager, Kenmare Porter, Rascal Chocolate Ginger Porter, Brehon Blonde, Rebel Red, and 12 Acres Pale Ale, to name a few. These most often mentioned beers are part of the new Irish beer taste profile as well. As younger patrons are discovering these newer craft beer flavors, the volume of sales for stout have decreased slightly, though there is no completely verifiable reason why.
Ultimately, whether enjoying the exceptional traditional beer flavors Ireland has made famous, or exploring the craft beers finding their own new popularity, those who enjoy a good beer certainly have many choices.
