CONGRATULATIONS TO THE ERRIGLE INN, ORMEAU ROAD, BELFAST
This place has steadily been making a name for itself as The place to go for cask ale and more so for beer from the wood. It was not all that long ago that only one handpull for cask was on the bar counter. The bar took the forward thinking step to move cask ales into the appropriately named Oak Lounge and have not looked back since. So, on Thursday, 30th November, the BFTW members attended a presentation for their Pub Of The Year Award. Four casks were available with two from the wood, plus BFTW membership discount!
Belfast Bar Crawl - October
A good solid lunch at the Hudson Bar and some pints of craft (sadly Tennants is the supplier so probably dictating the tap menu just like Bass/Guinness did so many years ago.
Next came the Sunflower Pub, always a joy to drop in for a beer.
A walk in the rain to the Crown Bar, packed to the gills with visitors. We did manage (shoch, horror) to actually get a free booth to enjoy our casks ales.
A short run on the bus to Northern Nights, a burger and some craft, FInshed off with an excellent cask ale.
Finished the night at the Errigle with some of Joseph's Knockout Cherry Stout.
Dublin Bar Crawl - October
A nice walk from the bus to St. Mary's Church for lunch. A lovely makeover of a grade 1 listed building. The clientele was predominantly female for some reason. A pint of Five Lamps keg Lager to start. Crisp and very clear it puts other half hearted cloudy stuff to shame. This was followed by Liberation's keg Pale Ale. Again, crisp and clear. Two winners in a row. Tried the fish & chips - great fish but the mushy peas were watered and came in a tiny cough bottle type plastic container.
Across the river to my old haunt the Porterhouse but taking a detour via the Czech Inn for Kozel washed down with Zlaty Bazant. An excellent selection of eclectic Czech music making for a relaxed afternoon. Finally, in the Porterhouse where my name is up in light! Two of my awards to the Porterhouse from the second Belfast Beerfest. Enjoying a pint of their 4.2% Grand Day, a fresh super ctrus hopped (and clear) ale. Great chat with Brian.
A nice stroll round to Brewdock for cask Sabotage from Trouble Brewing. Sadly it was as clear as poo! Overly hopped and not on condition. Poor choice for me. Anyway, much better clear Careen German style lager (4.8% €5.80 pint Good) and a clear Bale Ale (4.6% €5.45 330ml, ok). A pity they do not standardise their serving measures, ah well, that's life!
