Recollections on a tour of Beamish and Crawford brewery

Well,
One day last year , I won an amazing contest , Wallacebiy had the great fortune to be brought on an all access tour of that sacred Brewing site in Corks heart, The Beamish and Crawford Brewery. This was indeed a special occasion , for so many reasons. I have long espoused the and evangelised on the perfection of Beamish , it being the premier stout brewed in the world and definitely my favoured and staple tipple. This love was passed to me by my Brother , who accompanied me on this spiritual journey through the site where that nectar has been brewed since 1791. Of Course there's been a brewery there since early 1600's at least.

At 3pm on a wet Wednesday evening , we entered the Counting House Doors to the reception area , passing over the Tun Mash Plate dated from 1809 which is set in the floor. Roundabout on the Walls are letters dating from way back in pristine condition , proving that a good pen and legible handwriting can last the centuries. Presently Rory, the Head of the Master brewers came and greeted us . This is the man who is responsible for so many years of my finest and happiest moments enjoying wonderful Pints of stout all around Ireland. I am in awe. The Brother can hardly contain himself for the sheer excitement.

First he took us through the oldest Part of the brewery , which is currently disused , but will surely be developed into a Heritage site to rival the popularity of the Pyramids. Onward we went to the Kegging area for a detailed look at how the creamy pints are inserted into the Barrell ( Upside down ) at all times the various measures and checks that ensure perfections at the tap were pointed out . Having greeted the two gents that ensure the whole show there runs perfectly we carried on to the Bottling plant. Which is the only Beer Bottling line in the Republic. If I had stayed there an Hour I would have seen 30,000 Miller genuine draft 330mls poured pasteurised and labeled. But there were other things to see.

Onward we moved to the Mashing area, were Rory explained to us the variety of ingredients ( malted barley , roasted malt barley wheat Hops ) and the different way each is dealt with in mashing and creating the Wort.
I'd have to check but I think 75,000 Pints are brewed every 6 hours in a continous Batch . On upstairs we went to look at the Kettle, and the Famous "late Hopping " process which gives Beamish its characteristic aroma was explained. From there we carried on to look at the Yeast culturing lab and said hello to the cute microbiologist , who ensures that every thing is always clean and Pure , before heading first to the Bottom of the conical fermentation vats then on to climb the stairs to the Top of the Vats . A moments Pause atop the building , to look around the Breathtaking views of the City I love , from a spot I've never been at . Wondrous . The Fort on Barracka seems much more impressive from here.

So after the Tour ( which due to my intense fascination with beer and brewing was an immense treat for me ) we were brought Down to the Hospitality suite, the most gorgeous Bar you've ever seen , really tip top and Rory Pulled us a Pint . That gorgeous Nectar slid down my throat and I got a little tingle of Pure Pleasure , having seen the intricate details of how it's made , and knowing each of the 60 testing processes it goes through on the way , and then to have the best , freshest Pint ever , it's a glorious feeling. The Brother was doing litle backflips around the Bar ( little like Jack Black ) the chat and the Banter with Rory was good . He's worked there for 20 years ( starting a little after the last time I was there as a small lad ) and more than knows his stuff. We talked of different things , the brother suggested a milk stout at christmas weak at 2 per cent for drivers.
Rory - " it's an idea alright , but the Market is funny, people in Ireland want their beer around 4.2 % "
We enquired if there had ever Been a " Super Beamish " brewed
Rory - " funny you say that now because recently a Nigerian company asked us to do a 7.5 percent stout , and I happen to have a few bottles left from the test batch , it's mighty stuff , But Jungle juice "

Rory then said " Right , I have to go Find a fella there , you'll have to learn to Pull your own "

I had never in my life Pulled a pint , being quite content to watch , but I felt confident. I began , addressing the tap correctly , first Pulll smoothly into the glass stopping at the correct mark , leave to settle . The Brother at this stage was experimenting , creating Black and Tans with Beamish and Beamish Red . I addressed the tap again and poured first then Pushed back to finish . A perfect Pint. and it slid down well

There followed a series of photo's , presentation of T Shirts ( they can't even make Bad Merchandise , it's the Best T shirt I have ever got , quality in every stitch) more Pints , ( still pulling them perfectly ) a bit more of Me and the brother feeling surreally at home, The presentation of some samples of the aforementioned " Superbeamish " ( which we'll save for a special occasion). The brother may have commented that it was the Happiest moment in his life. But I'm not sure as I was in Full swing .

Sadly there was a function in the bar at 6 pm so we had to get out the door, to find the most glorious sun shining down on us, God in heaven was pleased, and across to the Spalpín where Rory bought us two Pints. and scarpered . I think the man has a family and needed to get clocked off , But fair Dues to him he is a dedicated and Sound man , and I think it shows in the quality of the Beer he Brews. If I'm honest , the pint in the Spalpín was almost as good as the Brewery . ( but sure haven't they got a direct line under the Road !! ) that kind of quality only come from the true dedication of a proud Cork son.

And a few more were had in there by us Pair continuing in full flight ! Until the brothers good wife came along and scooped us up into the car to be brought home . Both of us felt wholly reinvigorated, renewed and spiritually alive. When I awoke on thursday Morning I was at peace , and feeling fully ready for the World , the sun was shining again, and all was right with the world.

The Brother inspired and infused by the whole experience, had spent half the night putting together proposals and plans of action to build the Heritage centre in the site of the old Brewery. So others may share a glimpse of the Nirvana we witnessed inside...............