Flying the flag for Craft Brewing and Distilling in Ireland
Running for 10 days in all Porterhouse bars until Sunday April 3rd, the festival showcases beer and whiskey from craft brewers and distillers across the four provinces of Ireland. Throughout the festival period, enthusiasts are invited to special tutored tastings of both beer and whiskey to sample the brews and learn about Irish craft brewing and distilling.
This is the largest festival to date at The Porterhouse with 14 breweries and all Irish distilleries exhibiting.??Due to the scale of the festival this year, each Porterhouse Bar has its own dedicated festival bar with festival samples – a third of a pint – on sale for €1.50. Commenting on the festival, The Porterhouse Group Managing Director Oliver Hughes said, "Metal Man, Clanconnell, Dungarvan and West Kerry brewery – these are names of some of the new breweries set up by individuals serving their local area. It is with great considerable pride we welcome this fighting spirit to our eighth annual festival. Irish craft brewing has never looked so good. Think global. Drink local. Support local".
Five independent judges will judge the overall beer of the festival and the winners will exhibit their product on draught at all Porterhouse bars for one year. The Porterhouse recently won a gold medal for Best Stout in the World at the Brewing Industry International Award at Burton-on-Trent. The medal was awarded for its Plain Porter, for the second time.??The festival has always attracted large numbers, not just the beer and whiskey connoisseurs but also those interested in learning about Irish craft brews. It showcases Irish craft beer and whiskey brewed and distilled in Ireland for both the Irish and export markets across Europe and the US with profits remaining in the country – supporting the Irish Economy.
The 10-day extravaganza is running in the six Porterhouse bars located in Temple Bar, Grafton Street, Bray, Glasnevin, Covent Garden in London and – in the latest addition to the family – Wall Street in New York. The message of the festival is support the independent brewers and distillers by drinking sensibly, 100 per cent Irish!
