MacArdles

Ham'nd'egger

Given the recent proposals of Diageo to cease brewing in Dundalk, one wonders for the long term future of the forgotten bastard beer of Guinness in Ireland, MacArdles. Has this beer finally met it's Waterloo or will it hang on yet again to wet whistles into the next decade?

Max_Damage

Hamndegger wrote: »

Given the recent proposals of Diageo to cease brewing in Dundalk, one wonders for the long term future of the forgotten bastard beer of Guinness in Ireland, MacArdles. Has this beer finally met it's Waterloo or will it hang on yet again to wet whistles into the next decade?

MacArdles is a cheap (very cheap) version of Smithwicks. I didn't think it was too bad, but many people think it was pure piss water.

To be fair, nearly no one buys it so I'd say it'll be gone soon enough.

oblivious

nice out of the bottle where you can find it. But I can't see much export trade to England to help keep the brand going, maybe it maybe kept gong for local trade

_blank_

Great out of pint bottles.

kaimera

Always find it a nice change from smithwicks the odd occasion.

Mossin

A very nice ale.
As said, it's great from a pint bottle, and a cheaper alternative to Smithwicks in an off-licence....although it can be a little rough from a can.
My local in Laois still sells it in pint bottles, they used to sell long-necks too, but that was a good few years ago now...

Ham'nd'egger

On the occasions when I find it sold in pubs, I often find that proper barmen (Full time guys who have served their time) always look fondly on it as beers go and gets you an admiring glean when served. It is served on tap in the Two Sisters and I must say, it goes down well. Probably my first time drinking it was in a pub in Belturbet called the Railway Bar; it was served in that throwback for beer; the half pint bottle and boy did it go down well

To compare it to Smithwicks in terms of taste is stuff of apple and oranges; Wells Bombardier or Fullers London pride would be a better comparison IMO.

oblivious

Hamndegger wrote: »

To compare it to Smithwicks in terms of taste is stuff of apple and oranges; Wells Bombardier or Fullers London pride would be a better comparison IMO.

I think its pushing it a bit far comparing it to fullers, most Irish red ales least the commerical ones are brew more like lagers in that they are give a period of "lagering" Smithwicks i believe is. The yeast use does not bring anywhere near the same character, not the it make it bad just different

Ham'nd'egger

oblivious wrote: »

I think its pushing it a bit far comparing it to fullers, most Irish red ales least the commerical ones are brew more like lagers in that they are give a period of "lagering" Smithwicks i believe is. The yeast use does not bring anywhere near the same character, not the it make it bad just different

In terms of quality and techniques, yes it is pushing it but I personally find it more similar to one of these fine brews than the more malty Smithwicks in my humbles.

niallduffy1988

not a big fan of ale but this seems to me to be just as good if not better than any others, might just be the price making it seem that way though??

oblivious

Hamndegger wrote: »

In terms of quality and techniques, yes it is pushing it but I personally find it more similar to one of these fine brews than the more malty Smithwicks in my humbles.

Don't know if you know or have tried it but corks own brew pub Franciscan wells rebel red is a great Irish red, its also available in Dublin in the following places

Paddy Cullens ballsbridge,

The Gingerman, 39-40 Fenian Street, D2
Writers Red (Rebel Red)
The Bull and Castle, Christ Church, D2
Castle Red (Rebel Red)

Cork

Bierhaus, Popes Quay:

Sin É, Coburg Street:
Blarney Blond, Rebel Red, Friar Weisse.

Corner House, Coburg Street

Gallaghers, MacCurtain Street

Mutton Lane Inn, Mutton Lane

Crane Lane Theatre

Hi B Oliver Plunkett St:

Tom Barry's Barrack Street

The Oval, South Main Street, Cork


Kerry

D.O'Shea's Bar,

enjoy

_blank_

oblivious wrote: »

rebel red is a great Irish red

Oh yes, a delicious brew.

oblivious wrote: »

The Bull and Castle, Christ Church, D2

For Steins of the stuff.

Love it.

oblivious

DesF wrote: »

For Steins of the stuff.

Love it.

great alright, but dangerous is Irish hands;)

The last boards beers must went well as i did not hear of any pilfered steins:p

Ham'nd'egger

oblivious wrote: »

Don't know if you know or have tried it but corks own brew pub Franciscan wells rebel red is a great Irish red, its also available in Dublin in the following places

Paddy Cullens ballsbridge,

The Gingerman, 39-40 Fenian Street, D2
Writers Red (Rebel Red)
The Bull and Castle, Christ Church, D2
Castle Red (Rebel Red)

Cork

Bierhaus, Popes Quay:

Sin É, Coburg Street:
Blarney Blond, Rebel Red, Friar Weisse.

Corner House, Coburg Street

Gallaghers, MacCurtain Street

Mutton Lane Inn, Mutton Lane

Crane Lane Theatre

Hi B Oliver Plunkett St:

Tom Barry's Barrack Street

The Oval, South Main Street, Cork


Kerry

D.O'Shea's Bar,

enjoy

Had a pint of it in the Castle some months ago, it was nice although one of many sampled so it is hard to place or call it from that one trial.

Back on topic, I adore how the labels on Macardle bottles are almost always crooked; it adds to the brews charm and makes it seem that bit more "organic".

oblivious

Hamndegger wrote: »

Back on topic, I adore how the labels on Macardle bottles are almost always crooked; it adds to the brews charm and makes it seem that bit more "organic".

loyatemu

don't Guinness own some Waterford ale as well?

or am I still living in the 60s

oblivious

loyatemu wrote: »

don't Guinness own some Waterford ale as well?

or am I still living in the 60s

If its Phoenix ale possibly