Coisbo, Craft Beer King
According to Head Judge Dr Inge Russell, Editor of the Journal of the Institute of Brewing, “Coisbo’s Russian Imperial Stout deserved to win due to the marvellously balanced aroma, full body and its rich taste”.
Coisbo’s Masterbrewer Anders Coisbo was presented with the Dublin Craft Beer Cup by Dr Inge Russell and Dr Pearse Lyons, Founder and President of Alltech. The winner of last year’s Dublin Craft Beer Cup, Owen Scullion from Hilden Brewing Company, was also on hand to coffer his congratulations. This year’s winner was announced along with 125 other gold, silver and bronze medal winners from all over the world.
After hosting the drinks trade for two days of conferences targeted at brewers, publicans and other beer professionals, Ireland’s largest craft beer festival opened its doors to the public for the official after-work party on the Thursday evening with more than 1,000 beer lovers enjoying the brews of more than 45 brewers representing more than 150 craft beers and delicacies from 17 Irish artisan food producers.
Noting the potential for job creation Pearse Lyons stated, “We’ll return in 2015 as it’s clear from the huge crowds that gathered here over the last few days that there’s excitement brewing in the industry and a rising tide will raise all boats.
“The Fair is designed to gather brewers from all levels across the world in Dublin to master their craft and network with each other.”
Friday and Saturday exceeded expectations with more than 5,000 people passing through the doors. Altogether the Fair welcomed over 6,500 people.
Attendees sampled product from microbrewers including Carlow Brewing, Espiga, Hardknott, Coisbo, Redwell, Mountain Man, N17 and Blacks of Kinsale.
Paired with these beers were cheeses from Sheridans Cheesemongers, smoked salmon from Burren Smokehouse, crisps from Keogh’s and breads from the Bretzel Bakery.
In the centre of the hall the Kentucky Tavern dispensed Alltech’s own range of beers and spirits. Brews included Kentucky IPA, Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Stout and the flagship Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Ale.
A sensory lounge allowed experienced brewers, home brewers and beer and spirit enthusiasts to taste whiskey, bourbon and beers, to learn more about how to taste and the impact of different ingredients on flavour profiles.