O’Hara’s are celebrating 20 years of brewing flavoursome, Irish craft beers, and the brewery will release a range of seasonal and limited edition brews throughout 2016.
First up is ‘NOTORIOUS’ a Red IPA, and a statement of intent combining 6 different types of specialty malt and 5 different hop varieties.
The Brewing Process:
Dry hopped with 6 different types of specialty malt, which set the tone perfectly with biscuit, caramel and light roast flavours, combined with 5 different hop varieties; providing a bitter bite with citrus, pine and floral notes that linger on the palate.
The Look:
A copper-red ale with a white head.
The Smell:
On the nose a carefully selected blend of hops including centennial and chinook deliver a fresh bang of floral and citrus tones, with a light black pepper from columbus hop. Drawing in deeper, the specialty malt brings aromas of toffee and caramel.
The Taste:
Crystal malt comes through immediately on the palate with rich caramel flavours and some biscuity undertones. A hoppy bitterness follows quickly and complements the dark malt mouthfeel. After the initial caramel sweetness subsides the hop flavour comes through with orange citrus and pine making for a long and smooth finish.
The Menu Combo:
The Red IPA makes for a great dinner date. The hoppy bitterness cuts through roasted meats and rich stews; the freshness of the orange and pine finish complement Italian flavours, working great with dishes like pastas, pizzas, and anything served with tomato sauce. The caramel sweetness from the crystal malt makes this Red IPA a perfect cheese board pairing brew, in particular with smoked cheddar and tangy blue cheeses.
‘Notorious’ Red IPA, the first seasonal of 2016 from O’Hara’s Brewery is available to purchase from leading independent off-licences and retailers nationwide. It is also available on draught and in bottle at leading bars and restaurants.
‘Notorious’ will also feature at this weekend’s Alltech Craft Brews & Food Fair (5th-7th February) in the Convention Centre, Dublin 1.
Style: Red IPA
ABV: 5%
IBUs: 40
PLATO: 12.5°
Best Served: 6-10°
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