Five Irish craft brewers

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By Josh Rubin - Beer Columnist

There's more to Irish beer than Guinness. Here's a look at five Irish craft breweries who were in town last week for the Toronto Festival of Beer.

Carlow Brewing
From: Bagenalstown, County Carlow
Beer to try: O'Hara's Irish Stout is a classic dry stout, but with a lot more depth of character than the global behemoth that is Guinness. For one thing, there's more biterness.
For another, the roasted notes in this are more pronounced. There's also the tiniest hint of black licorice
Available in Ontario: LCBO, $3.25/bottle; also on draft at various bars.

White Hag
From: Ballymote, County Sligo
Beer to try: Black Boar is a rich, strong (10.2 per cent) imperial oatmeal stout, with a rich, silky body, notes of espresso and dark chocolate. Dangerously well-hidden booze.
Available in Onario: Not yet

Trouble Brewing
From: Kill, County Kildare
Beer to try: Sabotage IPA is an American style India Pale Ale. A ton of grapefruit rind aroma and bitterness, as well as some pine notes. With a double IPA and triple IPA also in Trouble's range, there's a definite U.S. influence here
Available in Ontario: Not yet

Bru
From: Trim, County Meath
Beer to try: Bru Rua might not appeal to hardcore beer geeks, but it's a decent example of an Irish-style red ale. Soft, malty sweetness, with the slightest hit of bitterness on the finish. A craft beer that won't frighten macro-brew drinkers.
Available in Ontario: On draft at various bars.

Kinnegar
From: Rathmullan, County Donegal
Beer to try: Rustbucket is a spicy, citrusy rye ale that's hoppy enough. Kinnegar could almost get away with calling it an IPA. The American influence in craft brewing is keenly felt all the way in Donegal.
Available in Ontario: Not yet

from Toronto Star on July 30, 2015