And I did have a couple of Galway Bay beers to share.
So the evening started off with an enjoyable dark lager – Tmavy Lezak at 5% – which is always a favourite style of mine.
Having first encountered a black lager at a shopping centre in Potsdam, Germany – visually appearing as stout yet tasting like a slightly burnt fresh lager gave an entertaining experience – I seek out these enjoyable beers & Galway Bay’s offering didn’t disappoint.
The main event however was a stonking 13.6% Barrel Aged Imperial Stout by the name of Counting Off The Days.
Rich dark & chocolatey – & that’s just the nose!
The palate was so rich & dense with flavour you could chew on it.
Yet there was a lively fresh vanilla from the barrel ageing too.
Top stuff!
We had a whiskey chaser on standby for afterwards – but I’m afraid Counting Off The Days counted us out & we were unable for additional alcohol.
In advance of their €24 million combined whiskey distillery & brewery coming on stream, Killarney Distilling Co have released this limited edition duo.
Killarney Whiskey & Stout c/othewhiskeynut
Comprising of an 8 year old blended whiskey finished in their own Imperial Stout casks – as well as the Imperial Stout finished in whiskey casks – they make for an exclusive pairing.
Aged in Stout c/othewhiskeynut
The 8yo wasn’t giving much away. Quite soft & shy on the nose.
More powerful on the palate. Subtle sweet grain mixed with wholesome malt augmented by the undertones of barrel finishing.
A rather lively & fresh finish rounded this agreeable blend off.
Aged in Whiskey c/othewhiskeynut
The Imperial Stout had a richness & depth from the whiskey barrels – but I found the carbonation a tad too lively – which distracted my palate from the complexity within.
Leaving it to sit for a while brought out a creaminess – adding to the enjoyment.
A worthy pair to kick start the exciting journey Killarney Distilling Co are embarking on!
What’s unusual about Around The Clock is that both the beer & the whiskey barrels it’s aged in are part of the same company – PorterHouse.
Rich! c/othewhiskeynut
Displaying a dark, heavy & rich treacly quality augmented by a sweetness from the Dingle Whiskey barrels – Around The Clock is a fine example of the barrel aged category.
It’s an unfair comparison – but if your gonna try a few Irish Beer/Whiskey collaborations – these 2 occupy the extremes of the growing genre.
8° Brewing Blowhard Imperial Stout at an eye watering 12% just wipes the 4% O’Hara’s Irish Wit off the counter.
Neither are bad beers – it’s just down to preference – but if I’m going to do a whiskey influenced beer – I tend to go for something I can get my teeth into – and Blowhard certainly provides that.
Blowhard Imperial Stout, 12% c/othewhiskeynut
Aged in Jameson barrels, Blowhard is rich, dark & heavy.
Solid notes of malt, caramel & burnt molasses assault the palate & demand attention. The whiskey element adds to the complex mix of flavours with a decadent flair that makes you sit back, sip & enjoy.
Irish Wit 4% c/othewhiskeynut
Using Tullamore DEW yeast, Irish Wit is subtle, easy & light.
Appreciable malt on the nose merely hints at the whiskey connection. The body is thin – but would make an enjoyable session beer. It’s one to enjoy with friends.
The contrasting approaches to the style are entertaining to explore.
WestmeathWhiskeyWorld 