X-Mark, Gold Rum Beer, 5.9%

Rather than bother with the hassle of barrel ageing – X-Mark simply throw some of the flavouring agent into the mix.

X didn’t hit the spot. c/othewhiskeynut

You certainly get the hint of rum from this concoction – but it’s like drinking an ordinary lager with a dash of rum on top.

Ingredients c/othewhiskeynut

Other than the novelty – I don’t think I’ll be indulging again.

Sláinte

Lineman Undertone, Dark Lager, 4.2%

Dark Lager c/othewhiskeynut

It’s not quite a Schwarzbier,

Beer info c/othewhiskeynut

But it’s close.

Lineman of the county? c/othewhiskeynut

Sláinte

Lineman website available here.

Galway Bay, Märzen To The Fire, 5.5%

Smoke isn’t exclusively either peat – nor restricted to whiskey.

The fuel used to dry the barley – or other grains – imparts a wide variety of flavours to the resultant beverage.

Smokin’ c/othewhiskeynut

For this Galway Bay Märzen – a popular style of German lager – beechwood is the choice.

I was keen to sample the results.

Beechwood smoked. c/othewhiskeynut

There’s an element of trompe l’oeil going on here.

You expect a dark, heavy ale – but get a light, refreshing lager overlaid with a soft, attractive wood fired smokiness.

Ingredients c/othewhiskeynut

An excellent accompaniment to those lazy sunny afternoon BBQ’s.

Sláinte

Rascals, Barrel Aged Old Fashioned, Blonde Ale, 6.3%

This is a barrel aged beer with a bit of a twist.

To begin with – it’s a blonde ale.

Most barrel aged beers tend to be porters, dark ales or otherwise ‘heavies’.

But the real twist of this Rascals brewed ale in collaboration with Dubliner Irish Whiskey is – well – it’s orange!

Both in colour,

An orange twist! c/othewhiskeynut

And taste.

A bright, refreshingly zesty blood orange aroma greeted me on first acquaintance – shortly followed by a biscuity malty base on the palate – all wrapped up in a delightfully lagery mouthfeel.

Beer info c/othewhiskeynut

It’s a twist I really enjoyed.

Best served lightly chilled.

Slàinte