Real Ale in Ireland - Pubs that DO sell it.

BeerNut

noby wrote: »

I could filter and carbonate my ale, and add a little yeast, so the sediment in the bottom of the bottle would keep the CAMRAites happy.

Yes, but if the yeast is alive and kicking in there, isn't it still doing its good work to produce a fresh, live, full-flavoured ale at the end of it? And wouldn't it be a greater risk, unless you have the right sort of expensive process controls, to keep fermenting a shelf-ready beer?

noby

The yeast will only carry on working if there's fermentables left to, well, ferment.

I know the first method is done, which is pushing the boundaries of what makes a Real Ale, but I'm just 'thinking aloud' on the second one.

LordSutch

Just been to Tesco & picked up a few Bishops Fingers + a couple of Spitfires 4 the week

They also stock London Pride - not a bad selection really when compared to just a few years ago, but still no 'Bombardier' or 'Morrissey Fox' Blonde Ale (as advertised in Tesco UK stores) . . . .

My local Pub does'nt stock any of the above Ale's, Bottled or on Tap.

BeerNut

Camelot wrote: »

not a bad selection really when compared to just a few years ago

Yep: you need to go to a specialist beer off licence for a decent sized range.

That said, SuperValu on Aston Quay usually has Bombardier and its two off-shoots, Burning Gold and Satanic Mills.

oblivious

Camelot wrote: »

J
My local Pub does'nt stock any of the above Ale's, Bottled or on Tap.

tbh, I find your luck if you can get a pint bottle of Guinness

noby

Camelot wrote: »

Just been to Tesco & picked up a few Bishops Fingers + a couple of Spitfires 4 the week

If you see the boxes of Shepherd Neame (4 different bottles in a box, including those two) I recommend picking one up - they're like a different drink when they've been kept away from bright lights. They go for a tenner down here.

BeerNut

noby wrote: »

If you see the boxes of Shepherd Neame (4 different bottles in a box, including those two) I recommend picking one up - they're like a different drink when they've been kept away from bright lights. They go for a tenner down here.

No 1698 in it though: boo! I think Spitfire and Whitstable Bay are two of the dullest beers around.

noby

'Tis a shame there's no 1698, and I agree about Whitstable. Spitfire is solid if unspectacular. Masterbrew and BF I do like though.

MediaTank

BeerNut wrote: »

No 1698 in it though: boo! I think Spitfire and Whitstable Bay are two of the dullest beers around.

Agree, bland dish water IMHO.

LordSutch

After reading this Thread up until now, this is a rough list of the Pubs that sell Real Ale on Tap in Ireland. (excluding NI which has loads).

TARA's Speciality Beerhouse Tipperary
'GALWAY HOOKER' & 'RUSTY'

The Porterhouse Nassau St, & Temple Bar
'PORTERHOUSE TSB'

I think thats about it, as regards CASK Ale On Tap in Ireland ...........

Obviously, we have all discovered that you can now pick up a variety of Bottled Ales in various Pubs, Off Licences & Supermarkets all over the country

PS somebody said in a previous Post that 'one' of the reasons for the lack of Real Ale was to do with transport & shelf life, but then why does the North not seem to be affected by these shortcomings?

noby

Try re-reading it.

Galway Hooker isn't on cask. Tigh Bhric have their own ale on cask, and the Well in Cork have seasonal/occasional casks on.
I really feel like I've typed that several times before.

oblivious

Camelot wrote: »

PS somebody said in a previous Post that 'one' of the reasons for the lack of Real Ale was to do with transport & shelf life, but then why does the North not seem to be affected by these shortcomings?

Its not that massively popular up there either, its just that two of the indigenous breweries produce and promote cask ale and the a pubs that want to stock it. Out side of Belfast weatherpersons is really the main provider

BeerNut

Additionally, Porterhouse North had a TSB tap, last I checked.

Camelot wrote: »

PS somebody said in a previous Post that 'one' of the reasons for the lack of Real Ale was to do with transport & shelf life, but then why does the North not seem to be affected by these shortcomings

The North is affected by them: compare the proportion of pubs in the North selling cask beer to the proportion in Britain. What is sold is largely from the local breweries, Hilden and Whitewater. That some pubs are willing to absorb the extra cost of maintaining an appropriate cellar is probably because pub overheads are lower. The difference in the licensing regime is fundamental to this.

Nothingcompares

Is anyone here familiar with the Bull and Castle Beer hall and gastro pub in christchurch? Any recommendations for "real ales" there. There won't be anything on tap but can I go for bishop's finger or something?

BeerNut

Nothingcompares wrote: »

Is anyone here familiar with the Bull and Castle Beer hall and gastro pub in christchurch?

A bit, yeah

Nothingcompares wrote: »

Any recommendations for "real ales" there. There won't be anything on tap but can I go for bishop's finger or something?

Not if you want "real ale". A nice bottle of Westmalle Dubbel, Duvel or Chimay would be a better bet if you're after something bottle conditioned.

Edit: Well slap my thigh, Shepherd Neame 1698 is apparently bottle-conditioned. You'll get that in the B&C, and it's lovely. The only other one from this list I've ever seen in there is Hen's Tooth, which is decent but not spectacular.

noby

But if you're after good English ale, whatever about CAMRA's feelings on it, they'll have a good selection in there. A few nice Irish ones too on draught.

BeerNut

Oh absolutely. I was taking it as read that the whole "Real Ale" thing is mostly complete ballcocks and no guarantee of beer quality.

noby

BeerNut wrote: »

Edit: Well slap my thigh, Shepherd Neame 1698 is apparently bottle-conditioned.

I assumed you were aware of that - it being their nicest beer and all that.

Nothingcompares

thanks again i shall make some investigations.

fatboypee

noby wrote: »

I assumed you were aware of that - it being their nicest beer and all that.

1698, their nicest ? Or the nicest you can get here....

My votes on domestically available bottled UK beers (not intended to antagonise )

1. Brakspears Triple
2. HobGoblin
3. Fullers ESB
4. Fullers London Pride
5. Bombardier

There are others, but 1698 is deffo not there, nor is Hens Tooth, a Moorland brew, looks like dishwash and tastes like a strong barlety wine....

I've plenty of others that I get online (more expensive, but worth it IMHO).
and for the real connoisseurs amongst you, have a think about going to a real Ale Festival in the UK: http://www.raaj.info/this is one I try and get to most years, just look at the brews ... http://www.raaj.info/beers/

FBP.

noby

The nicest of Shepherd Neame's. Although I do like a well maintained Master Brew. I lived off it over in Kent during the summer. Proper session stuff.

BeerNut

My votes on domestically-available bottled UK beers would probably be:

1. St Peter's Old Style Porter
2. Clotworthy Dobbin
3. Riggwelter
4. Fuller's Vintage
5. Hobgoblin

fatboypee wrote:

There are others, but 1698 is deffo not there, nor is Hens Tooth

Yes, but we were talking about Real Ale. These two are Real Ale, but of the nine beers we have both listed, only Brakspear Triple and Fuller's Vintage are Real Ale.

oblivious

fatboypee wrote: »

There are others, but 1698 is deffo not there, nor is Hens Tooth, a Moorland brew, looks like dishwash and tastes like a strong barlety wine.....

Well they are strong ale

oblivious

Mine are

1. St Peter's cream stout
2. Riggwelter/ Old Peculier
3. Fullers London porter
4. Fuller's ESB
5. Clotworthy Dobbin

LordSutch

fatboypee wrote: »

My votes on domestically available bottled UK beers (not intended to antagonise )

Antagonise - why ?

fatboypee wrote: »

1. Brakspears Triple
2. HobGoblin
3. Fullers ESB
4. Fullers London Pride
5. Bombardier

There are others, but 1698 is deffo not there, nor is Hens Tooth, a Moorland brew, looks like dishwash and tastes like a strong barlety wine....

I am off into Town (Dublin) tomorrow night, so I dont suppose you know 'off the top of your head' which pubs in the City Centre sell any of the bottled Ale's you mention?

fatboypee wrote: »

and for the real connoisseurs amongst you, have a think about going to a real Ale Festival in the UK: http://www.raaj.info/this is one I try and get to most years, just look at the brews ... http://www.raaj.info/beers/

FBP.

Ah yes, the 'Reading' Real Ale & Jazz festival in July - sounds good, and I think I am right in saying that there have been One or Two beer festivals in October, both in England & Germany ???

oblivious

Camelot wrote: »

I am off into Town (Dublin) tomorrow night, so I dont suppose you know 'off the top of your head' which pubs in the City Centre sell any of the bottled Ale's you mention?

Bull and castle and porterhouse

LordSutch

Thanks for that, but where is the Bull & Castle.

Cheers.

fatboypee

BeerNut wrote: »

My votes on domestically-available bottled UK beers would probably be:

1. St Peter's Old Style Porter
2. Clotworthy Dobbin
3. Riggwelter
4. Fuller's Vintage
5. Hobgoblin


Yes, but we were talking about Real Ale. These two are Real Ale, but of the nine beers we have both listed, only Brakspear Triple and Fuller's Vintage are Real Ale.

Fuller's Vintage!?!?!? jebus thats over a tenner a bottle in O'Briens no ?!

FBP.

BeerNut

fatboypee wrote: »

Fuller's Vintage!?!?!? jebus thats over a tenner a bottle in O'Briens no ?!

€9.99 in Superquinn. No, it's not worth it, but it's still very good.

Camelot, the Bull & Castle is on Christchurch hill, up the top of Dame Street and swing left.

Incidentally, all of the bars and off licences in the country that are worth going to for decent beer -- local and imported -- can be found on this map where they're the yellow, blue and green pins.

fatboypee

€9.99 in Superquinn. No, it's not worth it, but it's still very good.

I'd buy it, stick it on a shelf and look at it.. going 'will i won't i drink it '...

better off splurgin' for christmas in beersofeurope.com, get some adnams broadside or youngs special london ale... mmmmmmmmm

FBP