The Beers
Irish Craft Beer Styles
Ireland has a long history of brewing and in the past two decades, there has been a resurgence in craft breweries. This revival has led to a diverse range of beer styles that showcase the creativity and passion of Irish brewers.
In a nutshell, a craft beer is a beer made using traditional methods in small, independent breweries.
One of the most iconic styles is the Stout, known for its rich, dark color and flavors of coffee and chocolate. Another traditional style is the Irish Red Ale, characterized by its reddish hue and balanced malt profile. Modern Irish craft breweries have also embraced styles like India Pale Ale (IPA), offering hop-forward flavors with notes of citrus and pine, and Saison, a light and refreshing farmhouse ale with fruity and spicy notes. This variety reflects the dynamic nature of Irish craft beer, appealing to a wide range of palates.
The growth of craft beer in Ireland has not only enriched the local beer scene but also contributed to the preservation of brewing traditions and the introduction of innovative flavors. By supporting Irish craft beer, consumers are participating in a community that values quality, heritage, and creativity.
IPA (India Pale Ale)
Originally a classic English style, the India Pale Ale (IPA) has been revitalised by American craft breweries, introducing complex flavours and higher alcohol by volume (ABV). IPAs are often categorised as West Coast (dank, resinous, and bitter) or East Coast (soft, juicy, and less bitter). In Ireland, craft brewers have embraced both styles, producing IPAs that offer floral, fruity, citrus, and pine notes, appealing to a wide range of beer enthusiasts.
Stout
Stouts are dark beers known for their rich flavours of coffee and chocolate, derived from the use of unmalted roasted barley. They exhibit a good degree of bitterness and often feature citrus notes from hops. Irish stouts are versatile when pairing with food, complementing dishes like roast meats, spicy chili, blue cheeses, and indulgent desserts. The style has a storied history in Ireland, with breweries like Guinness popularising it worldwide.
Lager
Lagers are bottom-fermented beers, meaning their yeast strains work effectively at colder temperatures for longer periods during fermentation. This process results in a clean, crisp, and highly drinkable showcase of malts and hops, uninterrupted by the flavour of yeast esters. Irish craft breweries have adopted lager brewing techniques to produce refreshing beers that cater to those seeking a lighter option without compromising on flavour.
Pale Ale
Pale Ales are brewed with predominantly pale malts, producing a balanced beer that harmonises malt and hop flavours, unlike the more hop-forward IPA style. This traditional British beer style has been elevated by American brewers and embraced by Irish craft breweries, resulting in flavourful and versatile beers that pair wonderfully with various foods. Pale Ales come in many forms, featuring diverse hops and ingredient adjuncts, reflecting the dynamic nature of the craft beer scene.
Brown Ale
Brown Ales offer a flavourful middle ground between hop-forward ales and malt-forward darker beers. Modern Brown Ales typically draw upon the classic British style, expanding upon the pleasantly sweet flavour profile with medium to high levels of hop bitterness. Expect caramel and chocolate notes followed by a satisfyingly bitter finish. Irish craft brewers have adopted this style, adding their unique touch to create beers that appeal to a broad audience.
Sours
Sour beers encompass a variety of styles, including Lambic, Gose, Geuze, and Berliner Weisse, each offering a distinctively tart and refreshing experience. These beers are often brewed using wild yeast strains and bacteria, imparting a funky flavour profile. Irish craft breweries have begun experimenting with sour styles, introducing beer enthusiasts to new and exciting taste sensations that challenge traditional flavour boundaries.
Saison
Saisons are light and refreshing “Farmhouse Ales” that traditionally hail from Belgium and France. Originally brewed by farmers during the winter, low-alcohol saisons offered workers hydration throughout the busy summer in areas where water wasn’t easily accessible. Today, Irish craft brewers produce saisons that are often characterised by fruity and spicy notes, making them a perfect choice for those seeking a complex yet easy-drinking beer.
Amber & Red Ale
Typically malt-forward while still showcasing a good degree of hop character, Red and Amber Ales are warming and rich styles that make for great year-round drinking, especially during the transition into colder months. Expect citrus, spice, and herbal notes layered atop a pleasantly sweet malt base. Irish Red Ale, in particular, is a traditional style that has been preserved and reinvented by local craft breweries, highlighting Ireland’s brewing heritage.
Porter
Porters are dark beers that use malted barley, offering robust and warming flavours of chocolate, coffee, and dark berries. Originating in 19th century London, the porter became a popular drink among labourers, hence the name. Irish craft breweries have embraced the porter style, creating variations that honour traditional recipes while incorporating modern brewing techniques to enhance depth and complexity.
DIPA (Double India Pale Ale)
An imperial interpretation of the classic American IPA, the Double India Pale Ale (DIPA) amplifies hop character and ABV. DIPAs can vary greatly depending on the brewer’s approach, ranging from piney and resinous to intensely fruity with minimal bitterness. Irish craft brewers have taken to this style, producing DIPAs that cater to those seeking bold flavours and a higher alcohol content, showcasing the innovative spirit of the local beer scene.
Session IPA
A “sessionable” interpretation of the classic American IPA, the Session IPA is lower in ABV yet still dominated by hop-forward flavours such as citrus, tropical fruit, and pine. Lighter in body and mouthfeel, typically under 5% ABV, Session IPAs are a highly drinkable alternative to more potent craft beers, allowing consumers to enjoy multiple servings without overwhelming effects. Irish craft breweries have adopted this style to cater to those who appreciate hop-forward beers but prefer a lower alcohol content.
American Pale Ale
An American interpretation of a classic English beer style, American Pale Ales are characterised by floral, citrus, and pine notes. They showcase a balance of both malt and hop character, exhibiting low to moderate sweetness with medium bitterness. Irish craft brewers have embraced this style, producing American Pale Ales that offer a harmonious blend of flavours, appealing to those who enjoy a balanced and approachable beer.
Pilsner
The classic German Pilsner typically offers more residual malty sweetness than a standard lager. This straw-colored, light-bodied, and well-carbonated beer also boasts more hop character and bitterness. Irish craft breweries have incorporated Pilsners into their repertoire, crafting versions that strike a perfect balance between crispness and a floral, slightly spicy hop aroma. This style is an excellent choice for those seeking a clean, refreshing beer that still delivers flavour complexity.
Wheat Beer
Wheat beers are brewed with a significant proportion of wheat, resulting in a light, hazy appearance and a soft, creamy texture. Traditional wheat beer styles, such as Hefeweizens and Witbiers, are known for their fruity, spicy, and slightly tart flavours. Irish craft breweries have embraced these styles, creating refreshing wheat beers that are perfect for warm weather and pair beautifully with lighter dishes like salads, seafood, and cheeses.
Blonde Ale
Blonde Ales are light, golden beers with a smooth, malt-forward character and a touch of hop bitterness. Known for their easy drinkability and mild flavour profile, they serve as an excellent introduction to craft beer for those new to the scene. Irish craft breweries often brew Blonde Ales with local malts and hops, creating refreshing and approachable beers that still retain a unique Irish touch.
Rye Beer
The addition of rye to a beer can add a spicy or pumpernickel to the flavour and finish. Rye Beers are brewed with a portion of rye grain, which imparts a unique spicy, dry, and earthy character to the beer. This style can vary widely, from lighter, crisp ales to darker, malt-forward options. Irish craft breweries have embraced rye beer as an opportunity to experiment with this versatile grain, creating brews that highlight its complexity while balancing it with hop bitterness or malt sweetness.