Time for a lovely local Leeside drink?
Word of warning – this is a boozy article (so look away if you are giving up the tasty drink for Lent!).
The Rising Sons Brewery has released two new beers, right at the time when we are starting to think of St Patrick’s Day. Wild Card is an extra-pale ale, using three hops (citra, strata and nelson – not that I know much about hops) but the result is rather tropical - a perfect beer for balmy spring evenings. The second new release is a Vanilla Milk Stout – now, I am not a stout lover but I like vanilla and I love milk, so I might give it a try. With the temperatures quite low at the moment, this might just be a great way of warming up your tummy.
As many readers already know, Rising Sons Brewery Pub is one of my favourite places in Cork. This is due to the fantastic beer but more so to the amazing staff. General manager Judy has become a very good friend over the years and we have worked together on some great projects.
Manager Aoife is originally from Blarney so we always have news to exchange and Mannix behind the bar pours a perfect pint paired with some funny anecdotes. Bring in the other members of the crew and you have a great atmosphere where everyone is welcome.
Head brewer Shane now has a trained crew with him and produces amazing beers, trying out new flavours and new techniques and winning awards around the globe. I personally feel at home at the pub and have to call in soon again to get my hand on the new beers and hear all the news.
Franciscan Well is regarded as the first craft brewery in Cork and Shane Long has helped many budding brewers since 1998 when the brewery pub opened. Over the years, the pub has evolved and now features a cocktail bar, offers brewery tours, artisan pizza and a lovely beer garden.
For the new season, pop in and try some of their new cocktails in the bar. Keep an eye out for their social media platforms which will publicise upcoming events and festivals.
And staying with booze – the best gin in my humble opinion is Bertha’s Revenge with its very smooth finish and delicate botanicals. A while back, the team launched Bertha’s Sloe Gin (it was almost impossible to get your hand on a bottle) to great acclaim.
Justin and his head distiller have launched Bertha’s Revenge Crab Apple Gin Liquor – the sound of that makes my taste buds tingle with excitement. I love crab apples, I love gin and I love liquor – so this creation is simply made for me.
The milk gin (the alcohol for the gin is made using milk whey) is aged with the apples for a few months before it is being filtered and local honey, jaggery cane sugar and cloves being added. The new gin liquor is available from Bradley’s Off License and directly from Ballyvolane Spirits. Now, who is raising a toast to my health?