Deveneys

Brooklyn Winter Ale 2012.

2012-01-19T21:47:00.000Z

Brooklyn Winter Ale has arrived in Deveney's; albeit at the tail end of the winter beer flurry but like all of Brooklyn's seasonal's; it's well worth the experiment; especially for the €2.59 price tag.
This pours an amber colour; veering on a brown ale with some reddish tones. It has a nice thin creamy head.
It smells quite soapy; almost like talcum powder with a creaminess and some orangey notes.
Thankfully though; there's no Johnson's baby talc evident on the palate; there's some nice fruit but this gives way to a slightly meaty; savoury flavour not unlike Pennant ale. The carbonation is lively and it leaves a nice prickly sensation on the tongue which results in a really refreshing beverage experience; this almost flies in the face of everything that reminds me of a winter beer... It's good though; really good.
Ruthxx

Yule Ol

2012-01-14T11:44:00.000Z

So I'm back...
Although the Yule tide has been and past; I know there are some of you hoarding a couple of stray bottles from your Beer Box. If you are lucky enough to have a Yule Ol stashed in your beer closet; under the stairs or in that fridge drawer that my mother informed me; is to store vegetables; not beer. Today is your lucky Saturday.
However; if you tore open the box/ bag and devoured every bottle before Stephen's day; I can't sell you any more... So don't torture yourselves by reading on. This was a Christmas surprise; a really good one; not an Aunty Ann stripy sock special.

I tasted this with my non-craft-beer-drinking sister; Clare. Clare sells wine for a living; her preference being white without food and always red on a Thursday night with cheese and Sunday with a roast; drinks Corona in her spare suburban time and is a fan of a rum and ginger when frequenting the city centre.
This is the first time I've seen her really impressed by a craft beer and here's why...

It pours a deep amber colour with a nice thin frothy head. The kinda beer that you'd like to have a bath in. It looks luxurious and delicious.
Immediately; the nose exudes notes of Toffee apple; burnt sugar and loads of lavender. Salivation begins.
When it hits your mouth; there's a prickle of carbonation teamed with burnt sugar/ toffee and floral flavours but surprisingly enough; they marry really well. There's a hint of sweetness and this gives way to hop acidity and this lovely long finish of lavender and toffee. Really good beer...
It's gone though!
White Gypsy; if you come across this blog post; we; at Deveney's loved your beer!! We'd stick it into the top 7 Christmas beers available this year.
Irish Craft beer at it's best.
Ruthxx

Trouble Brewing Or.

2012-01-13T18:31:00.000Z

Happy New Year!!

A ridiculously overdue post! Apologies to all followers; without getting into detail; Deveney's has been subject to a couple of ill wind adventures and this has led to a shortfall in blog activity.; in fact; any kind of activity; be it work or extra curricular...
We have been tied to a flooded cellar and stock inventories; damaged ancient Cote Rotie and Chateau Margaux along with a 'dungeon' full of vintage; rare and unusuals... destroyed! If I was an advocate of those smiley faces; I would use the non smiley one in abundance here; maybe even the crying one!

So...In honour of our misfortune; it feels quite apt to review...

Trouble Brewing; Or.

For any of our non native tongue readers (I'm not far behind you); Or means golden. This is an Irish Golden/ blonde beer... Surprisingly enough!
It hails from the Kildare region and they've featured on the Irish craft circuit for some time now; draught first and due to popular demand they got bottling.
I really like their labels; quirky cool and very unleprechaun-ish (a new word for the Oxford).
This pours a slightly darker golden colour; reddish hues. The nose is D-elicious! Fresh pineapple and mango; almost like an exotic fruit sorbet.
The palate didn't reflect the nose though. Fresh and zesty; nice carbonation but very secondary. Disappointingly for me; I couldn't find a trace of the exotic fruits found in the nose; anywhere on the palate. However; I will say; for all those looking to experiment in a local craft beer fridge; this is a definite 'gateway' beer. It'll lure you in with it's siren nose; purposefully quench a desert thirst and leave any appreciative beer palate without surprise...
It's a great start up beer and it's from the motherland.
Ruthxx

BeerBox 2011 and our new edition...

2011-11-24T12:49:00.000Z

Yes; it's true...
Back by popular demand ''The Beer Box''

For those that have been doing without; ''The Beer Box'' is our 12 bottle seasonal selection of rare and unusual craft beers from all over the World; a beer snack and Glass; delivered ANYWHERE in Ireland for the nominal fee of €50.00.
Buy on line www.beerbox.ie or pick up the phone 01-2984288

And presenting.....

Our Brand New Beer Gift 2011:
''The Beer Bag''
Our branded beer bag contains 5 rare and unusual seasonal beers;
a beer glass and snack for €20.00 (collection ONLY)

*The selection varies week to week; seasonal beers are available in limited quantity.
Selection contains only Craft Beers
Delivery takes 2 working days within Dublin and 3 working days Nationwide (ROI)*
Order on Line or visit us in Dundrum; we'd love to see you!!
Ruthxx

Delirium Christmas 2011.

2011-11-19T15:21:00.000Z

Nothing says Christmas like the arrival of the iconic Christmas beers...
I'm still awaiting the American greats but the Belgian lovelies are in; with a new edition to my favourite collection; Delirium Christmas!!!!!! Apart from the the excitement of the pink elephant (Deliriums mascot) fashioning a Santa hat whilst ice-skating! The beer is; dare I say it; better than Nocturnum! My all time favourite. Is this a case of blatant fickle behaviour or a side effect of Michael Buble flicking the switch on Dublin's Christmas lights?? I'll let you be the judge of that...

Delirium Christmas pours a deep honey colour with flecks of treacle and a slightly pink hue. The nose is like a Christmas pudding - orange peel; clove and cinnamon with some raisined fruit. The palate is almost better; if you can believe it... honey fruit flavours; orange and cinnamon; a sweet mouthful that finishes with a clean flavour that's reminiscent of starfruit. It cuts through the finishes with a sharp balanced acidity. This is a 10%er!! but the alcohol is hidden and it all comes together like Christmas eve.
Try this as an alternative to Port; in multiple quantity it could act as a flu deterrent but if it's too late to deter; a great get-well-soon gift with elephant powers!!!
I love you Delirium Christmas!!!!
Get it quick; in the fridge now and open for tasting.
Ruthxx

Thornbridge Raven Black I.P.A

2011-10-21T12:37:00.000+01:00

Since Thornbridge arrived on our shelves we have tasted the reason they warrant a higher price tag. The Kipling and Jaipur came in as quick as they went out and in true craft beer brilliance created their own supply and demand craze. With the new shipment comes a couple of new innovative styles including ''Versa'' weisse beer and; on tasting this evening; ''Raven'' Black I.P.A...
This is a 6.6% dark; porter style beer but... it's an I.P.A! Initially getting my head around it was comparable to ordering a gherkin and Nutella toasted sandwich...
It pours like a porter with a creamy coffee head. The nose is quite subtle to start and then it breaks into a floral chocolatey coffee liquid; with some medicinal notes thrown in for good measure.
The palate is even further from unusual than initially anticipated. It starts off sweet and almost
lemonadey; pleasant and easy drinking; this rapidly evolves into black instant coffee; hospital disinfectant with a texture of antiseptic cream; all joking aside; it has a flavour and oiliness that's reminiscent of an accidental tongue brush with ''Savlon''. The finish has a hairspray chalkiness and some intense hop flavours.
I know this all sounds very negative and being true to my word; it's not my kinda beer; however I seem to be the only disappointed fan.
If you've tried it; please post a tasting note... Dying to know what you think!
It's available currently if you're prepared to risk it!
Also in stock; Jaipur; The Kipling; Versa and Wild Swan; which are as good as the price indicates.
Ruth xx

Rogue Dead Guy Ale.

2011-09-21T22:00:00.000+01:00

Rogue Beers have arrived!!!
One of the most popular breweries on tasting at
''Deveney's Lughnasa Beer Festival 2011'' but due to high winds; Tornadoes and Hurricane Irene; the stock was a little late. How and never; it's here; refrigerated and ready to be tasted... The Thursday Beer tastings resume; after a long pre-festival break.

Dead Guy Ale; with what I thought was a small child skeleton with a Pope's hat and a tankard of beer on the label; initailly; had to be first up for tasting. However; thankfully; it's apparently not a small child; it's just a skeleton wearing a beehive hat; so you can drink easy my friends!!...
The image on the label is to honour the Mayan Day of The Dead (kinda like our Halloween); this is the closest we'll come to a Autumn Seasonal Beer this year.
*Possible Trivia Pursuit interest* and for those of us that aren't familiar with The Mayan Day of the Dead; me included until I did my research. It's the celebration of the Monarch Butterflies that return to Mexico each year; around the end of October; they're believed to bring the spirits of the dead home. These spirits are honoured during ''Los Dias de los Muertos'' - Days of the Dead. This tradition dates back to 1800 BC.
The beer pours a dark golden amber ale colour with a red hue just under the head. The head is thin and slightly fizzy on the palate.
The nose has loads of vanilla; caramel; fresh coffee bean and candy floss. The palate is sweet to start and really candied but finishes with a bitter hop oiliness that gets more intense as the sweetness fades.
Really unusual and I'd imagine; the reference to waking the dead is in relation to the hop content on the finish; it's about as unexpected as finding a chewing gum ball at the end of your plastic ice-cream container... pleasant surprise for most but shock for those with bubblegum allergies.
Fortunately; I love both.
Ruth xx
*Rogue varieties available to purchase in Deveney's...
-Hazelnut Brown
-Shakespeare Oatmeal Stout
-St Rogue Red Ale
-American Amber Ale
-Mocha Porter
-Juniper Pale Ale
-Dead Guy Ale.

Lindeman's Framboise

2011-07-23T11:55:00.000+01:00

I've been very quiet; not quiet enough to abstain from a few beers but just too busy to post. The festival is pending; lists are long; fear is high; nerves are simmering but today; the weather intervened... A lull in footfall; a break from email and the realisation that the summer is happening - cue: Lindemans Framboise Lambic.
For all those that have not read previous posts; I'm a Fruit beer lover and not afraid to admit it (very uncool; apparently).
I believe that Fruit beer; to the beer lover is what ''MMMbop'' is to the discerning music collector... Outward loathing (over-acted); inward incessant humming.
I; on the hand; fly the flag proudly for this delicious beer beverage.
Lindemans is no different.
I opened the crown cap and went to get a glass from the other side of the shop. By the time I got half way back to where the open bottle sat; the smell of fresh raspberry had dispersed; it's pretty impressive for a 250ml bottle of liquid; against an open door on a busy main street and a large commercial dairy fridge to contend with.
As you can see from the picture; it's a deep raspberry colour with a light frothy head. It looks like a melted Mr.Freeze.
The nose is fresh raspberry with a greenness; you can almost smell the acidity.
The palate is big fresh raspberry flavours; with a crushed raspberry tartness and the oily acidity from the raspberry pips is evident on the finish.
Try it really chilled in a glass from your freezer or add a drop to a glass of prosecco....
I also have it in cherry and peach.
I don't condone the consumption of mass alcohol units but it's a very nice mixer with vodka or gin to make a fruit martini...
Enjoy the nice weather;
Ruthxx

Alice Porter - Brewdog Seasonal.

2011-05-21T13:36:00.000+01:00

Porter...
The most popular beer question of all time; porter Vs. Stout... What exactly sets them apart?.
Porter still remains the one style of beer that; when researched; all dates and origins differ. Is it Irish; British or German?; Was the style created pre 1700's or somewhere between 1735 and 1739. I can't answer any of them with confidence. Most accounts of British Brewing in the 1700's say that Porter was a ready made blend of 3 different styles previously available - ''ale''; ''beer'' and ''twopenny'' and because it was a combination of all 3; it was known as ''entire'' (I love this)... When doing my research; it became evident that the style 'Porter' evolved due to economic circumstances and not as a result of the romantic elusive myths... I'm going to ignore that though and continue with conjured thought of cobble stoned Dickens streets; shoves of mist and secret beer recipes brewed under cloak.
Alice Porter; named after 'Alice' the Lewis character; is a traditional Porter with the Brewdog twist. It's a 6.2% dark porter.
The nose is complex and really unusual. I get medicinal elements; like a tonic with eucalyptus; orange and malt. The palate displays malt; coffee and quinine with a really nice balanced sweetness to counteract the oiliness and acidity of the quinine flavours.
It's a tough one to match with food because although the flavours I'm describing are quite brash; it has this elegant lightness. I reckon this is a beer for game meat. If you're out hunting pheasants in your tweed over the weekend; stop by for a couple of bottles... Far more economical that a 1st growth Bordeaux.
Good job lads; again.
Another great Brewdog varietal to add to your list.
Ruthxx.

Macs Great White.

2011-05-21T11:47:00.000+01:00

The lack of posting is purely Festival related; new beers are in abundance; time on the other hand is not.
The Mac's range arrived in a week ago - Hop Rocker; Great White; Black Mac and Isaac's Cider along with a fridge full of new gear... I'm sorry for neglecting to inform you all.

Mac's Great White was our Thursday choice.
I've always been an advocate of New Zealand beers. I spent a financially challenged week in a grim hostel in Auckland about 8 years ago. The purpose of my stay was purely Visa related; unfortunately. My bank balance didn't stretch any further than the local bottle shop and an unhealthy obsession with the 'Pokies'; which resulted in a loss far greater than a weeks spend; travelling around the North Island.
I lived on spreadable cheese sandwiches and Speights; Steinlager and Mac's original. The beers were great; the cheez; not so...

This is a beer for the Hoegaarden/ St.Bernardus/ White Hawk lover.
It pours like a cloudy apple juice; lemon coloured white beer.
The nose is really fresh; Jif lemon; Yankee Candle Clean cotton aromas with Vanilla.
The carbonation is lively; far more prominent than any of the beers mentioned as similar. It tastes like a vailla milkshake. Creamy with lemon and citrus flavours. Although the mouthfeel is fat; the flavours are not heavy; it's definitely a beer that you could drink a 6 pack of; easily.
It's a 5% summer salad beer or try it with meaty fish on the barbecue.
Good to see you again Mac's; I'm pretty happy it's under more favourable living conditions though.
Ruthxx

''Deveney's of Dundrum; Lughnasa Beer Festival 2011''

2011-05-03T14:24:00.000+01:00

Rumours are true; it is happening again; whether you think this is a good thing or not!!

We've expanded the venue; streamlined the beers; bought new tablecloths and given ourselves a facelift...

This is THE craft beer festival
''Deveney's of Dundrum; Lughnasa Beer Festival 2011''
Friday; August 19th; 2011
*Ticket ONLY event*

*Tickets to go on sales from May 25th 2011*
Ticket price: €20.00 (includes your own festival tankard; 3 complimentary beer serves; access all area; wrist band provided on arrival)

Entertainment by:
http://thecujofamily.bandcamp.com/album/the-cujo-family?permalink

http://www.audionetworks.ie/bands/folksmen/

Food Vendors on site; all artisan; all hand-picked by Deveney's of Dundrum.

The reviews are true... This is an event not to be missed.

Purchase your tickets through:

- www.beerfestival.ie

- Deveney's of Dundrum

- Eventelephant.com

*From May 25th 2011*

Updates via Facebook; and Twitter.

Look forward to seeing you all;

Ruthxx

Gardener's Tipple by Hog's Back Brewery.

2011-04-29T13:44:00.000+01:00

The new Surrey Brewery in our ever growing U.K section is Hog's Back.
They make a range of Ales and Blondes of which I took 2.
The Gardener's Tipple and Tea.
The Gardener's Tipple is the beer on tasting this evening. We chose it because it's a day that I'd romantically envision myself doing my garden. In reality though; even if I was off enjoying the summer spurt; I definitely wouldn't be spending it with a secateurs... I don't even know what they look like and if you saw my garden you'd understand why.
The beer isn't as great as the weather; unfortunately.
The label is quite retro in a Southern- English- Mid- Summer -Murders kinda way.
It's an amber ale; nice head and lively effervescence in the glass.
The nose is promising. I get banana; Honey and herbal notes. Eoin reckons it has a spiciness; I don't detect this but he doesn't get banana so we could be both wrong.
The palate isn't awful but slightly disappointing and a little boring. It has a heavy mouth-feel but it's light on flavours. I can't find any honey or fruit; it's quite herbal and grassy with high acidity and malt on the finish.
It's refreshing but so is Cadet orange; on a sunny day... That comparison says it all.
Fingers crossed for the Tea Varietal; I'll keep you posted.
Enjoy the sunshine;
Ruthxx

Raging Bitch by Flying Dog.

2011-04-21T10:23:00.000+01:00

Raging Bitch!!!...
I find it pretty difficult to write those 2 words; knowing the end result is the ''publish me'' button.
Admittedly my initial purchasing decision was down to 2 things; 1) previous beers tasted by this brewery and; 2) (far less professional) The name sealed the order deal.
I currently have 3 other; relatively expensive Belgian style American beers in stock; as a result of this; Tom questioned whether we needed to stock another?... Valid point. Although; in true Ruth Deveney style; I didn't admit it. I was thinking; I'm going to have to push this on newly separated men or Wiley hen party participants; on namesake alone; if it's not a beer I'd happily endorse.
I'm writing about it whilst drinking it.
This is an official I-doubted-you-apology; to the great people at Flying Dog. It's amazing.
It pours like a golden-amber ale with a pinkish hue.
The nose is so impressive. Peach; banana with some grassy notes; fresh lime skin and some mint. I could go on but I'll let you experience it yourselves.
The palate is heavily hopped with citrus and banana flavours and finishing with pink grapefruit and pine. The background is slightly sweet which balances the sharpness of the hop.
This ''Raging Bitch'' is a keeper!!

Happy Easter;
Ruthxx

Unertl Ursud.

2011-03-30T17:33:00.000+01:00

Apart from really liking what these guys do; which I do. I will also admit to ordering this beer due to it's physical appearance; I hear you sigh; the sigh of shallow Deveney. The label gives me label lust and the bottle is equally as lovely. Now; the important bit; the beer is delicious.
It pours like a rich; slightly viscous Dunkel; with a head that's reminiscent of sea foam from Dun Laoghaire pier; appealing or not; that's what it looks like.
The nose is premium weisse. Buttery with banana; malt and mocha notes.
The palate is equally as delicious. Lot's of flavours. Caramelised sugar; banana; coffee; malt and some chocolate flavours.
All who tried loved and also asked for seconds.
In Deveney's; limited supply; definitely try.
Ruthxx

Thornbridge Kipling S.P.P.A.

2011-03-26T13:46:00.000Z

Thornbridge beers have arrived in Ireland!!
A little pricier than other great U.K breweries but this is definitely a ''get what you pay for'' scenario.
It's been a while since an English beer has left me thinking that if I never got the opportunity to consume another beer again; I'd be happy with this as my last.
Thornbridge Kipling; I can safely say; is my new beer love.

It pours the colour of a good bottled lager; lemon and honey with a thin white head.
The nose can only be described as having breakfast with the man from Del Monte . White grapefruit is really prominent with some ripe mango. In fact; if you were to smell this blind folded; I'm not sure if you'd guess immediately that it was a beer. I don't want to put you off though; there's nothing sweet or synthetic about the nose.
The palate is identical to the nose. It has the clean acidity of a sugar-less grapefruit; complete with that tingly feeling you pick up on the side of your tongue. The flavours are white grapefruit and white grapefruit and surprisingly; white grapefruit. I don't detect any mango or warm tropical fruit. The smooth; crisp beer flavour kicks in on the other side of the fruit and compliments the consumption process to the limit.
The carbonation is evident but nicely integrated.
This beer is definitely a constant reminder of longer days and warm evenings.
Thorbridge Jaipur and Imperial Russian Stout available also. notes on these to follow but by all accounts; best newcomer award pending.
Ruthxx

Frankenheim AltBier.

2011-03-15T12:33:00.000Z

We tasted Frankenheim AltBier this evening.
Alt is the German word for old; you can't classify a bottle of Miller found in the back of your granny's drinks cabinet dated 01/99 as an Alt; it's a style; using warm top fermented yeast; overtime the temperature is adjusted and the beer is stored (lagered) for long periods of time after fermentation.
This is a golden brown beer; looks similar to an aged rum with a thin white head
The nose smells like an average beer - nothing unusual; malt and hop elements.
The palate has metallic and mineral flavours with hops and a rustic finish. It's clean and fresh and has enough acidity on the finish to give you a shivery spine.
Try this with a baked ham; cold or hot. Salads and vintage cheddar.
Available in Deveney's of Dundrum
Ruthxx

Metalman Pale Ale... launched.

2011-03-05T12:50:00.000Z

The Bull and Castle; Beer Hall was heaving last night. The newest editions to the Irish brewing scene - Grainne and Tim; were showcasing their 'baby'- ''Metalman Pale Ale. Bloggers; brewers; beer enthusiasts; retailers and wholesalers all turned out for the gig.

I am a massive fan of The Bull and Castle and I also have a serious soft spot for Irish craft beers so there was no question about my attendance.
On arrival; David thrust a cold; condensation clad beer into my hand and immediately it felt like a Saturday night. Unfortunately it wasn't and I did have to return to Dundrum; to close up the shop but for those few minutes the weekend hysteria crept in - Great boozer with potentially great beer in hand...

I am massively impressed with this Pale Ale. I had done a little bit of internet research on other Metalman reviews and some said it was very similar to other Irish Pales on the market. I do admit that when drinking beer I really only consume bottle format but I can confirm that this is like no other Irish Pale I have tried.
It's a lovely golden nectar colour with a thin white head. The palate is really clean with very strong flavours of grapefruit and fresh lemon peel and it finishes with a slightly metallic flavour It has a fine effervescence; not overly carbonated. Really refreshing and tastes exactly like an ideal summer beer- garden brew.
Congratulations to Grainne and Tim.
Another great Irish beer and living the dream - Best of Luck!
Ruthxx
Available by glass or pint in:
The Bull and Castle; Christchurch
Mulligans; Stoneybatter
Against The Grain; Camden Street.
Selected establishments in Waterford.
Bottling with any luck this year!

Orval Trappist and the great story.

2011-02-25T12:04:00.001Z

Never let the truth stand in the way of a good story... I happen to love a good story.

The history of Orval is definitely worth telling and drinking simultaneously.

So; The legend surrounding the ancient monastery of Orval involves the stunningly beautiful Countess Mathilda of Tuscany.
Whilst visiting the area almost 1000 years ago; she was looking into a small pond; admiring her reflection!!! When she dropped her golden ring into the water.
The ring disappeared into the muck at the bottom of the pond. The Countess was devastated and prayed to God to return her precious belonging and in return she promised to declare the land sacred and build a monastery. With that a fish surfaced with a ring in it's mouth - hence the label design.
She stayed true to her promise and still to this day the pond is enclosed behind the monastery walls. The monks claim that this is the exact site where the beautiful Countess met the holy fish.
Apart from this being a great story; the beer is equally as impressive.
It pours a caramel colour with a coffee coloured head.
The nose smells like clove; aniseed and toffee. You expect a mouthful of creamy luscious fruit as a result of this but it's a polar opposite beer.
The palate is like fresh lemons and orange flavours with some clean acidity on the finish.
This is a beer for a pastrami sandwich or salads.
It's an original old-skool ale and deserves it's iconic reputation.
You won't be disappointed.
Ruthxx

Old Fog Horn; Anchor Brewing Co.

2011-02-24T11:55:00.000Z

Old Fog Horn by Anchor Steam Brewery. San Francisco CA.
This is a beer for the Wednesday blues; possibly I'm the only one who suffers from these. I have consulted some of my office pals and they all concur that their mid-week slump lands on a Tuesday. Whatever day you feel the urge to wrap your jacket around your waist and sprint to Cobh with no intention of returning; this is a far more reasonable vent and if you can hold off till after 6pm; you'll manage to keep your job also... Everyone's a winner.
This pours like a traditional English ale; dark golden with some red flecks. It looks like beer-ified Autumn. A thin white head tops it.
The nose; like The Humming Ale by these guys; has strong peach notes with some burnt sugar and malt.
The palate has sweet fruit flavours; brown bread; malt and maple syrup. It's got some sugar evident on the palate but that's to be expected; it's 8.8% alc.
Don't let the Barley Wine style put you off...
Drink it now with goats cheese or a bar of Alpine milk Chocolate. If you're the patient type; cellar for up to 8 years and let us know what it's like...
Enjoy
Ruthxx

1001 Beer Deals before you kick it...

2011-02-19T13:52:00.000Z

Bargains and coupons are the 2011 of holiday homes in Mauritius and €40 bottled water.
Although I can't offer you beer stamps; I am prepared to pick a page a month and supply a deal that warrants a visit to Dundrum.
Fruh Kolsch; page 378.
February Special.
4 bottles €10.00
(while stocks last)
Forget Lidl €4 Prosecco. Deveney's is where it's at...
Ruthxx

Marston's Oyster Stout.

2011-02-06T16:25:00.002Z

It's a miserable day here in Dundrum. It also doesn't help that I had a relatively late night last night and that I went against my better judgement and regretted to take my car͵ under the guise that I might want a second beer!!... I think we all know that that was a lie.
Despite this bearing a word that reminds me of a bad weekend spent in Carlingford with an ex-boyfriend͵ who I developed a distaste for similar to that of Oysters.
Let's do it today͵ face those Sunday fears and previously bad long weekend breaks.
Marston's Oyster Stout doesn't actually contain Oyster extract. Stout and Oysters were traditionally the poor man's meal. This is a stout that comes branded as the ideal accompaniment. Let's just take them at their word on that though.
It pours like a stout͵ looks like a stout and has a head that resembles a stout.However it initially doesn't smell like a stout. It smells like a pale ale͵ loads of floral aromas. Maybe garage carnations? with a mineral element and a slightly roasted tweak.
The palate reverts back to it's labelled beer category. This tastes like a stout. A light stout. Roasted malt with some floral flavours͵ nice effervescence and clove on the finish. It has a spiciness that I've never tasted in a stout before and it's very pleasant. Not pleasant enough to visit the fishmonger but good.
Enjoy your Sunday!!
Ruthxx

St Bernardus Pater 6

2011-02-04T11:02:00.000Z

Apologies to all those that misread the tasting date and turned up this evening. Our February tasting is scheduled for Thursday 10th and despite popular belief (in the form of 3 angry men) I did not amend the tasting date͵ you just read it wrong!!!
St Bernardus Pater 6 was opened as compensation.
It pours the colour of a ''Coke Float'' with a frothy thick head.
The nose is malt͵ caramel͵ milk chocolate and cherries
The palate͵ as you inhale is strawberries and sweet fruit. This changes quickly and finishes with malt and black liquorice.
It's a 6.7% ale. Enough to make you feel as jolly after 4 bottles as St. Bernardus himself.
Eoin and I both liked it and it managed to placate the 3 placard- holding- conspiracy- theorists.
See you 3 and everyone else NEXT Thursday!!.
Ruthxx

The Valentines Beer Box

2011-02-01T16:48:00.000Z

Is there anything in the World that says ''I Love You'' more than a box of Beer???...
Milk Tray may suggest otherwise. However͵ just a tip͵ I can guarantee that purchasing this for your female better half may result in the opposite desired effect͵ unless of course͵ the ultimate aim is just that and requiring ownership rights of the hind legs of a Jack Russell and that taking up residency with the garden furniture in a Wendy house seems appealing... This is your gift!!!
The Beer Box is all about love for February.
It's the usual drill͵ a 12 bottle box (Valentine themed)͵ a glass and a love snack͵ delivered to your door͵anywhere in Ireland (R.O.I) for €50.00.
Make the call 01-2984288
Stop in to see us : 31 Main Street Dundrum
or drop me a line: ruthdeveney@gmail.com
(Website currently under construction)
Happy Valentines Day
Ruthxx

Erdinger Urweisse

2011-01-28T13:35:00.000Z

Erdinger Urweisse landed yesterday.

Apart from the really old- skool retro label͵ it was the chunky cardboard- like sediment that got my attention͵ floating in the base of the bottle. It kind of resembled a snow globe. Anything that has the confidence to look kind of gross and claim to taste delicious enough to export͵ we had to try.

It pours the colour and cloudiness of a village cider. Nectar with a speckled white͵ heavy murkiness.

The nose is phenomenal͵ it has all the characteristics that are associated with a good German weisse - ripe banana- sandwich- banana and spice but apart from the usual͵there's vanilla pod͵ cream and a smoky maltiness in there too.

The flavours were a little less forward than the nose but nevertheless I loved͵ Eoin wasn't so sold. The mouth-feel reminds me of a double cream. It has almost like a banana malted milkshake palate and some clove and black peppercorn in the background.

As for the floating cardboard͵ disappointingly I didn't detect it.

For all the Weisse fans͵ most definitely try it!!!

Ruthxxx

February 2011 Tasting.

2011-01-27T15:27:00.001Z

This scheduled in-store tasting is LONG overdue.
I've settled on Thursday 10th February.
Usual drill...
Venue: Deveney's of Dundrum
Date: February 10th 2011.
Time: 6.30pm - 8pm
Line-up: German gear: 6-8 bottled varieties.
ALL WELCOME!
( registration not necessary )
Hope to see y'all here.
Ruthxx

Delirium Nocturnum - definitely.

2011-01-13T11:18:00.000Z

I'm a firm believer in ''if you can't afford it͵ don't fake it''. I've never been an advocate of counterfeit Louis Vuitton handbags nor am I in a position to afford a real one but despite this having the look of a ceramic bottle and disappointingly only painted. We've decided not to hold it against the overall package - This is a beer worth purchasing͵ a couple of times.
It pours a murky brow colour with a frothy cream head.
The nose is beautiful - can I use that adjective?͵ it deserves it!!! Both myself and Karl on the scooter agree on Vanilla essence͵ banana͵ bubblegum and malt.
The palate has this lovely carbonation͵ a good fine sparkle͵ something similar to a Frizzante fizz.
The palate displays malt and ripe fruit flavours with this delicious balanced sweetness and a Ryvita/ malt finish.
You may ask͵ ''What's the deal with the pink elephant?''. This is a euphemism for drunken hallucination. The astute John London diagnosed us all͵ for the first time in the early 1900's and we can raise a glass with thanks- we're not mad͵ just having a good time crazy!!!
Available in Deveney's of Dundrum.
Ruthxx

Williams Deal - January 2011.

2011-01-12T15:53:00.000Z

I've never been the sort to use January as a means of detox.
January is by far the most depressing and uneventful month of the year͵ hence the need to consume quantities of good alcohol. I am not͵ by any means suggesting vast quantities but a liquid sedative in the disguise of a good bottle of beer͵ a nice short of whiskey or a glass of decent wine is necessity.
The other common problem with consumption at this time of the year is the dreaded 'C' word (cash-flow)
Cue - Deveney's of Dundrum........
To get us through the next couple of months͵ I will have a series of deals to get you off the couch ͵ doing a bit of exercise and making your way to Deveney's of Dundrum...
Kicking us off...
Williams Brewery will all be available on a mix 4 bottles͵ for a mere €10.
The range currently consists of 9 varieties͵ all displayed in photo attached and all available in Dundrum.
Let's start this January revolution!!
Ruthxx

Dogfish Head Indian Brown Ale.

2011-01-06T21:19:00.000Z

I just experienced one of those rare days that everything plays out like an Enid Blyton book with a helping hand from ''Jim'll Fix It''...
I love days like today!!!- hassle-less͵effort-less and fruitful.
Posting on a beer seemed like a good next step.
Dogfish Head Indian Brown Ale was this evenings choice.
I have consumed the 90 minute͵60 minute͵ Raison d'être and Palo Santo from these guys. India Brown was the last on my list.
It pours as described͵ a very dark brown ale.
The nose is really appealing. It smells like Horlicks and Maltesers with some bitter coffee in there and Easter-egg milk chocolate.
The palate is completely different͵ almost the opposite to what I expected. It tastes like a black liquorice pipe with a slightly metallic flavour and some bitter instant coffee. At 7.2% alcohol I expected a little more sweetness. I liked the idea of a Malteser flavoured beer.
Maybe the disappointment masked my opinion!
Neither Eoin or I were overly enthusiastic.
Amazing nose though but unfortunately you can't drink that!
Ruthxx

Kelpie Seaweed Ale

2011-01-05T16:50:00.000Z

When Kelpie Seaweed Ale arrived I immediately thought of Dollymount strand in a bottle. Not the most appealing comparison but I guess you link potential flavours with memory sequence. I've heard people compare the flavour of Schlenkerla Marzen to everything from kippers/ rashers/ Smith's Bacon fries and spiced beef. So nothing is impossible.
This pours similar to the Zeitgeist from Brew Dog - A black lager. This however is an ale with a thin white head which almost immediately dissipates.
The nose was completely different than I anticipated. It initially smells candied - kola and marzipan but after serving 2 customers and reverting back to the so-called seaweed beer - I got it! Thankfully it's not Dollymount strand. It's actually a subtle coastal smell. Salty and almost medicinal.
The palate has a nice carbonation with sweet caramel flavours which finish like slightly bitter salt water...and I just ruined it!!!.
Rory was just in to purchase a can of beer to stuff his chicken with... Nothing illegal - he assures me the chicken is dead. We both tasted it and both liked it. (Back me up Rory!!!)
I suggest you try this with a couple of Californian Sushi rolls or if you're like me and don't buy into the raw fish buzz - Anything that once originated from the sea and that includes Captain Birds eye fish fingers.
Available from Deveney's of Dundrum.
Ruthxx

Flying Dog range 2011.

2011-01-04T13:44:00.001Z

I spent a miserable J1 summer in Maryland a decade ago.
My surprise when I discovered this great beer 7 years later and that actually something decent had emerged from the east coast U.S counterfeit Bray. To any of my readers from in or around that neck of the woods - I can't apologise for my blatant slating. I still have difficulty passing a ''Pizza Hut'' without experiencing flashbacks of a bad uniform and free refills.
The 2 guys that set this brewery up in 1983 claim to have had a crazy night in a tavern with
Hunter S. Thopmson and thus led to inspiration.
Each bottle bears the famous Thompson quote : ''Good people drink good beer'' - so true!
(Except for that bottle of Corona that I was caught with mid-consumption by a highly vocal customer in Smyth's last week) Sometimes good beer is difficult to acquire.
Flying Dog is currently available through Deveney's of Dundrum.
Unfortunately I could only pre-purchase from the Brewery so availability will not be year round.
As we all know I suffer label lust. I'm not going to lie. My preference is often swayed by a prettier label and or quirkier name. I do love American Hefe Beers so my first choice would be In-Heat Wheat but the Classic is really good also. The I.P.A and the Double Pale are 2 very serious beers.
All 4 worth a try.
Detox?? A word I'm not familiar with...
Happy New Year
Ruthxx

Anchor Steam Christmas Ale 2010.

2010-12-29T17:34:00.000Z

Anchor steam Christmas is a beer that requires tasting vintage on vintage regardless of your beer preference. I have both stocked and tasted this seasonal ale since 2007 and every year it differs. It's not my favourite beer but it's definitely one of the ones I look forward to tasting most.
Anchor class this as an ale but it pours like a porter- dark brown with flecks of red and a thin white frothy head.
The nose smells of currants and caramelised sugar - molasses some coffee and roasted malt.
The palate is like a liquid sugar free Christmas pudding. Personally I like sugar in my dessert but for those that eat currants and raisins out of choice this is a beer for you. The flavours punch some clove dried fruits and some bitter high cacao content chocolate.There is also a hint of ginger with some cinnamon thrown in for good measure. The epitome of bottled Christmas.
If you received one amongst your 12 ''Beer Box'' beers than you're a lucky recipient. My 5 case allocation lasted no more than 2 days.
Consume now but will cellar well.
Ruthxx

XXBitters

2010-12-20T22:15:00.000Z

If you were one of the lucky 65 people to acquire one of the 72 bottles of xxBitter 330ml in your Beer Box than my feelings towards you are both of jealousy and resentment.
This was a little unexpected gem.
It pours a milky cream colour with a snow white head and has a nose like ripe blackberry and cherries with a hint of yeast and hop. This leads to the expectation of a sweet palate and the surprise is... You're wrong and so was I!!!
It has some very dry fruit flavours with this crisp acidity and slight chalkiness on the finish. This has the look of a witte beer.The nose is reminiscent of both a Belgian witte teamed with a weisse and a hint of a lambic and the palate is a combination of a witte with a hint of an I.P.A.
So in essence this is a beer brewed by Charlie in the Chocolate factory but fortunately there's no swelling or violet colour changing.
Ruthxx

Gouden Carolus Christmas 2010.

2010-12-10T11:33:00.001Z

Gouden Carolus Christmas is definitely the 2010 festive favourite. This comes in at 10.5% alc. but still remains elegant and beer-like despite having a German wine abv.
This pours the colour of dark amber with a thin white head.
The nose is what I look for in a Christmas beer. I do have a gripe with some of the Christmas Ales
on the market currently, apparently having a Santa beard or an Elf's foot on the label qualifies as a Christmas beer. This exudes seasonality.
The nose smells like pink bubblegum and clove with aniseed and banana. The palate is aniseed with sweet fruit and some wood/pine flavours.
This is a relatively sweet beer. Not Samichlaus sweet but definitely warrants a piece of Cashel Blue.
Drink chilled or at room temperature.
DELICIOUS!!!
Ruthxx

Christmas beers 2010

2010-12-06T21:30:00.001Z

I have been waiting with Bated breath for our Christmas stock to arrive and just when I thought I couldn't hold out any longer...
-St Bernardus 4x330ml Glass Pack
-Goose Island Mild Winter 330ml
-Goose Island Christmas Ale 750ml
-St Bernardus Christmas Ale 750ml
-Samichlaus Limited Edition 750ml
-Samichlaus 330ml
-Triple Karmeliet & Kwak Gift Pack and just in case you weren't yet that impressed...

*Rochefort 8 Magnums*!!!!!!******************************
Gouden Carolus Christmas Ale is also here with some 330ml xxBitters.

If this doesn't tempt you to take a trip to Dundrum, then I give up.
I am having some serious difficulty writing this post as my hands feel like frozen steaks, nothing that a couple of bottles of Samichlaus won't thaw.
I can now officially say....
**************HOPPY CHRISTMAS!!!!**************
Ruthxx

Midnight Sun by Williams

2010-11-29T11:36:00.000Z

Midnight Sun is a 5.6% dark and spicy Porter from the Williams Brothers, Alloa, Scotland.
The nose exudes chocolate, orange peel, coffee and fresh ginger. The palate is smooth and creamy but light in comparison to other dark porters we've tried of late. Ginger, coffee and chocolate are the predominant flavours.

These 2 lads dropped in on Saturday to buy a bottle of Smirnoff and left with the intended purchase and a couple of bottles of the above. Job done!

Available from Deveney's Off-Licence.
Ruthxx.

Roisin by Williams Bros.

2010-11-26T18:30:00.000Z

Friday Fact: Tayberry A cross between a raspberry and a blackberry
Roisin by Williams Brothers uses this ominous but delicious sounding berry in the brewing process of this beer.
It pours a darker shade of golden with a lovely pink hue.
It smells like fresh raspberries and cream with some floral hop aromas.
The palate is tart raspberry with really refreshing hop flavours, crisp and clean with a slightly sweet finish.
Try this with a summer pudding or even a spicy curry.
Unusual and delicious.
Sold 6 bottles since writing this post.
Ruthxx

Odell Isolation Ale '10

2010-11-26T14:16:00.000Z

There are 2 things I look forward to when the temperature drops below -1C.
The first being, the new season of Desperate Housewives and the second is the arrival of some really good winter beers.
This is definitely the best I've tried yet. This brewery is fast becoming my favourite new arrival.
Odell Isolation Ale, a 6.1% ale that has a colour quite similar to the once- banned red lemonade T.K.
The second the crown cap is off I get strong notes of Turkish delight and violet. When poured into the glass these are prominent along with some floral hop aromas.
The palate is dry with flavours of burnt toffee, floral hop and a nice acidity.
So far, this for me is the favourite Winter '10 but there's a range still to come.
Stay tuned!!!
Ruthxx

Sierra Nevada Tumbler 2010.

2010-11-20T18:14:00.000Z

We rarely do a Saturday tasting but due to the apparent match - All Black vs. Ireland, it left us a little stuck for customers.
A tumble weed afternoon led us to Sierra Nevada Tumbler... Fitted right in with the afternoon atmosphere.
It pours a ginger-ale colour with a thin white head. This Autumn brown ale actually both smells and tastes of Autumn.
The nose has a distinct earthiness - soil and grassy notes, a little bit of coffee and some Sunday roast beef.
The palate tastes like coffee and cream with a bonfire smokiness and a hint of sweetness on the finish.
We tasted and all liked it, despite my pre-conceived ideas.
Just in the door and available on a 4 for €10 special.
Ruthxx

Rosey Nosey - Batemans

2010-11-20T14:04:00.000Z

Rosey Nosey arrived in this afternoon.
After putting the Christmas spirit window together we cracked the crown on this familiar Christmas beer.
It pours a light brown with red and pink tones and a thin white head.
The nose, Eoin describes as very similar to Samichlaus - sweet and sticky.
It smells like sweet caramel, milk chocolate, a little bit of cinnamon and some stone fruit.
The palate is completely different. It's dry with a meaty and savoury earthiness. No fruit at all. It has a nice carbonation.
I'd regard this a thirst quencher. Try it with a sandwich containing the left-overs from the Christmas dinner. Good home cooked salty ham and some hot mustard- St Stephen's Day special!!
Declan had just returned from McDonald's after partaking in his four cheeseburger ritual and joined the tasting, He insisted on a photograph - I almost always keep my promise Declan!!
Ruthxx

Santa's Butt, Winter Porter.

2010-11-16T19:44:00.000Z

Santa's Butt is the second instalment of our vast Christmas beer selection, the balance is on a boat somewhere in the North Atlantic Ocean- we're hoping to see it this side of December 25th.
Santa's Butt is a Winter Porter, apparently a Winter Porter differs from any other Porter because of 2 things, first being it's released in Winter (surprisingly enough) and second is that it's a racier style. Certainly the label is racier, my first concern when looking at this label is Santa's cholesterol level, that is one very big behind and I'm also hoping he's not stuck for cash - he clearly needs new trousers.
The beer, as you can see is a dark porter style with reddish/ amber tones and a thin cream coloured head.
It smells like espresso, clove and liquorice but not the Christmas nose I normally get crazy excited about. It smells like any other dark porter or stout, very nice but not seasonal.
The palate is loaded with black chocolate and liquorice but it's a much lighter palate than I anticipated.It's smooth with a long finish and loads of flavour.
Will post on the Christmas beers as they arrive.
Ruthxx

Sink the Bismark in store.

2010-11-16T18:46:00.001Z

Maybe we don't live in an economy where flaunting disposable income is condoned but sometimes you just see something that you know you'll regret if you don't dig deep and find the cash!!!...
Sink the Bismark by our pals at Brewdog is available to purchase, Guess where?...
Deveney's of Dundrum, we now have not one but two bottles for sale.
The price is slightly more then Trashy Blond or 77 Lager .
At a mere €74.90 it has your name all over it!
You also get a free bottle stopper at no extra cost!!! Ruthxx

Weisser Hirsch.

2010-11-15T11:36:00.000Z

There's nothing quite like kicking off your week with an early start which includes opening shutter's, boiling the kettle, changing the cctv camera and opening a brand new beer - this my friends, is work as I know it!! It will get progressively more difficult as the day proceeds but right now, for these few minutes, it's the best profession in the World! Just for the record, may I clarify, this is tasting not boozing - I am also not operating heavy machinery or climbing in behind the wheel of my car for another 12 hours, so safe? It couldn't be safer!.
I took in approximately 15 new beers last week. This has a swing top so I can open it at 11.09am, swing-top it into place and resume consumption at 10.20pm this evening.
Weisser Hirsch joined the rest of her family in our refrigeration unit last Friday.
This pours a very light almost lager colour weiss with a heavy white frothy head.
The second I open the bottle I can smell ripe banana and vanilla ice-cream. In the glass, the nose changes to banana and black peppercorn.
The palate has a light fizz, very creamy with flavours of ripe banana and clove - very typical but it has this lovely light finish with a slight lift in acidity at the end.
Definitely a beer I'd serve with some nice 60% Brie and a French stick.
Very nice!!
Ruthxx

Sharp's Chalky's Bark.

2010-11-11T21:41:00.000Z

Eoin Deveney takes a bad picture

Chalky's Bark - Sharp's, Cornwall
Absolutely anything that contains ginger has me sold, immediately. It's up there with cinnamon as a favourite pastry flavour.
This pours a lager colour with a thin white head - Budweiser?!!!! It does look like Budweiser!
The nose smells like Christmas. Slight smokiness with candied orange and spicy notes - not solely ginger, definitely my 2nd favourite pastry flavour features and orange peel.
The palate is quite light with some subtle flavours, predominantly orange with some fresh ginger spiciness, slightly honeyed and a dry finish.
Eoin reckons it's very refreshing and despite having an orange phobia!!! (no exaggeration) seems pleased with his beer choice this evening.
Try it with a spiced beef sandwich and redcurrant jelly - aka: Christmas Eve after work in the Deveney household.
Very enjoyable!
Ruth & Eoin xx

Humming Ale by Anchor Steam

2010-11-10T21:16:00.000Z

Humming Ale by Anchor Brewery
I no more felt like opening and sampling a beer this evening. I unfortunately went against my personal mid-week rule and had a late night teamed with a few too many which equates to a torturous 12 hour Wednesday shift. I had reason to though. An old pal that I spent a summer with 10 years ago came to visit this week and he was over for a cheese plate, a couple of Chimay blue and two too many Del fin del Mundo, Malbec. All fabulous at the time, maybe laughed too close to the face of ''under the weather'' but definitely worth it!.
The Humming Ale is delicious. Pours a little- to- no head topping a rich golden ale with hints of tawny and red. Very appealing aesthetically.
It smells even better though. I get orange peel and peach notes with a floral hop background. On the palate it has this lovely refreshing carbonation - almost like Champagne fizz. Floral and citrus flavours with hop characteristics and some peach flavours on the finish. Really clean and refreshing.
Really good even without a beer pang!!!
Ruthxx

Weaver's Gold, Blonde Irish Ale- Clanconnel

2010-11-03T20:41:00.000Z

I haven't tasted this since the Festival in August and although it was one of the only I sampled on that night, I had difficulty remembering what it was I liked and more importantly what it was that you all liked.
Aahhhh my memory has been jogged!
It pours as you can see, this golden bright lemon colour with a white frothy head.
The nose is fresh and clean with lemon, grapefruit and some apple notes.
We all tasted it - Tom, myself, 2 World beer customers and Damien, The avid Dutch Gold drinker.
The palate is all lemon. I can't describe this any better than a 'Fat' palate, it has weight in it that's not expected, probably due to the creamy background and the fact that lemon is not a flavour that I'd associate with fatness.
A very pleasant surprise and 4/5 of the tasting crew liked it.
Damien on the other hand wasn't too impressed, I'm working on converting him from commercial can to premium bottle and currently all I'm getting is resistance, this is a nut I plan to crack soon though.
Clanconnel, Weaver's Gold is definitely worth a try - Well done Mark!
Ruthxx

Official Tasting- Saturday November 6th, 2010.

2010-11-03T18:11:00.000Z

This Saturday!!!!!!
The official Blue Moon/ Grolsch Weizen/ Kasteel Cru tasting is taking place this Saturday - November 6th 2010 in Deveney's of Dundrum.
Our host for the evening is the lovely Des McCann and he will be taking us through the 4 styles with finesse and Molson elegance.
The tasting will commence at 7pm and will run until 9pm.
*All Welcome* (Over 18's only)
Venue: Deveney's of Dundrum, 31 main street, Dundrum, Dublin 16
Date: Saturday November 6th 2010
Time: 7-9pm
Hope to see you all here!!
Ruthxx

Zeitgeist by Brewdog

2010-10-29T12:40:00.001+01:00

This 4.9% Black lager by Brewdog was a pleasant surprise. Although I appreciate stouts and dark beers they wouldn't be my first choice of style. In saying that though Brewdog seem to do no wrong in my eyes and this black sheep gets the same response.
It pours a silky black liquid with a thin white head.
This is the epitome of the book and cover syndrome. The nose is like melon and those old-skool Rosy Apple sweets, it's a candied smell but not synthetically candied despite the quarter reference, there's also some floral notes. When I went back to it half an hour later this fresh fruit smell had evolved into a roasted malt nose.
The palate is floral and appley but the finish has some coffee flavours and black chocolate with a hint of hop and some nice refreshing acidity. This is a beer for all tastes. It seems to combine a good quality lager style with a roasted malt beer and an element of a pale ale, very interesting and layers of flavours.
I'm also very excited to inform you all that 'Sink the Bismark' is en-route from Scotland.. 2 bottles bound for Deveney's of Dundrum.
Shout if you're interested!
Ruthxx

O'hara's Leann Follain Special

2010-10-27T21:20:00.002+01:00

O'hara's Leann Follain arrived in this afternoon...
Described on the bottle as a full bodied extra Irish stout and that it is!
It pours a deep black with a caramel coloured head. The nose is like a cup of espresso with black liquorice some tobacco and tar in there also. The palate follows through on all of the above, black coffee, black un-sweetened liquorice, cocoa and burnt toffee. I know they sound like massive flavours but although they're very prominent they don't over power the stout. It has a silky texture and the flavours bounce one after another, almost in that exact order. It's light enough to drink comfortably, one bottle after another.
Try this with an Irish stew, heavy chocolate desert or cured meats.
Officially launched this week, so to celebrate...
Deveney's of Dundrum will sell you 4 bottles for €10.
The launch party is Thursday 7th from 7pm @ The Bull and Castle, Christchurch. *All Welcome*
I unfortunately won't be making the launch myself, I'm hoping to be too busy selling all of you guys the bottled version.
Ruthxx

Brooklyn Pennant Ale '55

2010-10-21T20:44:00.000+01:00

This is the first beer that I've tasted in ages that I'd be happy to be locked into a cold room with for days on end.
This golden coloured ale was brewed in honour of the Brooklyn Dodgers World Series win in 1955.
It pours the colour of Mount Gay rum with a thin white head. The nose smells like a hot barbecue, slightly woody, pine resin and vanilla, really appealing.
The palate doesn't disappoint, I get an unsweetened Kola flavour but there's a meaty savoury element to it too, pleasantly floral, a really clean finish and it's not too heavy despite how it sounds.
Eoin reckons it's the best Thursday brew we've tasted in a while and I have to agree.
The winning beer this month, We love it!!!
Ruthxx

Fruili Strawberry Belgian Beer

2010-10-21T16:37:00.001+01:00

We haven't featured my beloved Dad 'Tom' in our blog for a while. It's been a quiet Thursday afternoon so we tasted Fruili, Belgian Strawberry beer. I remember tasting this on draught in The PorterHouse a couple of years ago. I can't remember if I liked it or not and being honest I still can't decide. Pleasant? definitely. Offensive? definitely. Contains MSG? quite possibly, It wouldn't be my favourite of the fruit beer family but it's a beer that I could continue to taste until the bottle is empty.
It pours the colour of a strawberry smoothie with a thin off-pink head.
The nose reminds me of a 'strawberry fool' - an effortless, incredibly delicious artery clogging desert which contains fresh strawberries, sugar and cream, whipped until mousse-like. When the fruit nose settles, the white beer element of the beer is evident also.
The palate is delicately carbonated, fresh strawberry with a nice lemon twist. Unless I was writing this blog I'd have forgotten it was a beer though. The alcohol is completely masked by the very strong strawberry flavour. It's a visiting beer - 4.1%, take 2 to a party when the cars outside.
Available currently in Deveney's of Dundrum.
Ruthxx

Brooklyn Oktoberfest

2010-10-19T10:26:00.001+01:00

It's rare that a Sunday morning would see me showered and capable of anything other than a bacon sandwich and some horizontal t.v activity. If I was to be honest and pathetically sad, xfactor on a Saturday night has changed my normal Saturday night routine. I become all about the pyjamas, heating, maybe some butter chicken marsala and definitely a glass of red. The rushing home from work for a quick shower whilst multi-tasking a drink, my make-up, a call to my local taxi company and possibly 3 changes of clothes before settling on the original and getting a lift with an aggravated taxi driver who has been waiting and then waiting.
As a direct result of this change in habit, I find myself in work on a Sunday morning...
I also find myself well enough to not only do a post but taste a beer and do a post simultaneously.
Brooklyn Oktoberfest arrived in on Friday. This is a 5.5% seasonal addition to the Brooklyn range.
It pours a caramel colour with a Guinness head. It looks really carbonated with lots of fine bubbles in the glass.
I can't decide if the nose is appealing. Initially it's caramel, sweet fruit and almond but this turns into what you'd expect your back garden to smell like after a landscaper has been digging around in the rockery. It smells like ''Atlantic Homecare'' out where they grow the tomatoes, a hot soil smell.
The palate, thankfully doesn't display the outdoor flavours. I get ripe cherries, malt and only slightly carbonated. A really creamy palate with a hopped finish.
Of all the Oktoberfest beers I've sampled over the last couple of weeks it's the most unusual style and unlike any of the others available. Oktoberfest to me is all about a beer that's light enough to consume vast quantities but has substance to it. Subtle flavours that are balanced and easy to neck. Brooklyn, although interesting I wouldn't be downing 5 steins with a leg of ham.
Worth a try though,
Ruthxx

Weissenoher, Klosterbrauerei, Kolster Sud.

2010-10-15T12:52:00.000+01:00

62nd Best Beer Blog in the World with a badge to prove it!
It's Thursday night, again! and as you avid readers know, myself and my little brother Eoin pick a Thursday brew to review.
Weissenoher, Klosterbrauerei, Kloster Sud is the beer of tonight.
Firstly neither of us can pronounce this one, let alone spell it. This is a very traditional label, Eoin thinks a little dated, I like kitsch so it does it for me.
When poured it looks like a glass of Schweppes Ginger Ale. Lovely rich brown colour with reddish and yellow tones and a thin white head.
The nose smells like coffee and raisin with a bonfire smokiness, maybe burnt banana and definitely Horlicks malt and toffee. Every time I go back to it I pick up a different distinctive smell. It's really complex and unusual.
The palate is just as big and unusual as the nose. Instant coffee - Nescafe, maybe!- doesn't sound appealing, caramel and loads of malt. Quite sweet initially but finishes dry and chalky.
I'd consider this an acquired taste- Definitely a food beer, try baked ham or a vintage cheddar.
Not for me but everyone to their own.
Ruthxx

Augustiner Oktoberfest 2010.

2010-10-09T16:50:00.000+01:00

I'm not going to lie to you, the label alone does it for me on this beer. The entire range of Augustiner always gets me excited, possibly because it's not consistently available 12 months of the year but also the beer is just so good. It's a style that appeals to almost anyone, I could give it to my granny and she'd appreciate it. It's inoffensive and deliciously refreshing but without being run- of -the- mill boring.
The Augustiner Oktoberfest has a nose that's reminiscent of a Sauvignon Blanc from Marlborough, asparagus and slightly grassy but there's also some honey evident. I won't repeat how Eoin described the colour in the glass but let's just say kidney infection and plastic cup in a doctor's surgery. Although not a very appetising description, pretty accurate.
The palate is very different to the nose, it's nicely carbonated but not overly, creamy with a hint of ''Ranchero'' smokiness and some sweeter flavours close to the finish. This all sounds pretty imbalanced but it works really well.
Anyone who called into the shop after 9pm on Thursday tasted it and consequently bought it. Even Karl who drinks Tuborg substituted a couple of tins for a bottle.
It'll be available for the remainder of October, if you miss the opportunity you'll have to hold out for another 11 months, so get moving!!!
Ruthxx

The ''Deveney's Beer Box'' delivered nationwide.

2010-10-07T18:14:00.000+01:00

''Deveney's Beer Box''
*Having difficulty playing Santa to all of your friends? *Finding the perfect Kris Kindle gift for 'Brian' in the accounts department? or

*No time and even less motivation to visit your Uncle in Tubercurry with a box of Lily o'Brien's?.....

Deveney's of Dundrum have come up with one solution for all gift conundrums...
The 'Deveney's Beer Box' which contains 12 seasonal premium beers plus glass delivered to any location nationwide. All for €50.00
*selection disclosed on order due to stock availability*
Please order via email or telephone, payment required pre delivery.
Ruthxx

Erdinger Oktoberfest, IFSC, Dublin '10

2010-10-05T18:38:00.000+01:00

Chris from Erdinger and myself having a stein

Sunday consisted of re-runs of last weeks Eastender's and a 4 o'clock start at the Erdinger Oktoberfest in the IFSC.
I went in, family in tow, to meet Chris from Erdinger and check out the Beer Festival competition.
Definitely worth a trip. Beer good, crowd good, crepes good, music not great but very German beer festival authentic.
I have to admit that both Erdinger and Paulaner Oktoberfest I would prefer in bottle, I know that that sounds a little conveniently bias but this is written from a review perspective without my retailer hat on. There's something about the more commercial styles of Oktoberfest beer that translate better in bottle format, equally as much as the less exported beers taste better on draught such as Lowenbrau and Augustiner. Paulaner and Erdinger Oktoberfest bottled is a style that evokes true Germanic flavours and smells. I always get stewed apple and cinnamon from Erdinger Oktoberfest with a creamy sweet palate and a doughy dry finish. The Erdinger Oktoberfest on draught just doesn't have the same appeal for me. It's very drinkable but seems alot lighter in style.
Met Barry, Phil and Steve as seen in previous post pictures. They were enjoying all of the above and loving the beer so possibly I've become one of those painfully fussy reviewers or just boring and old!!
Erdinger Oktoberfest available in Deveney's Dundrum. Special price 2x500ml for €5.
*Offer available while stocks last*
Ruthxx

Weihenstephaner Festbier, Dublin '10

2010-10-05T15:13:00.000+01:00

Weihenstephaner Oktoberfest, Dublin.

My weekend in Kilkenny plans were a-skewed when the call came through for a ticket to the exclusive Weihenstephaner Festbier, Oktoberfest night in Ballsbridge, last Friday.

I arrived, as requested, at 6.15pm, only to discover that the Festival didn't kick-off until 7pm and I was the only invitee that hadn't brought a date along. I hung around the bar for all of 7 minutes until I discovered that my good pals from 'X' Off-Licence on the North-side were definitely joining me but not until they'd finished their 5th Paulaner stein down at The Church, behind Jervis Shopping centre.

I left the romantic beer festival in The Berkley and joined the Paulaner Oktoberfest crew for 2 half steins before making my slightly unsteady way back to enjoy the authentic German Festivities complete with bad German pop songs, dough pretzels, apple strudel, 30ft tables complete with German families eating sauerkraut and the odd lederhosen and Really, really good beer.

Weihenstephaner Festbier is a rich golden colour with quite a fat creamy head. It's only slightly carbonated and smells like fresh bread with some clove and spice. The palate is slightly sweet and has flavours of cake mix and ripe fruit. It's a big beer, loads of flavour. Incredibly easy to consume, as experimented by our table. See exhibit 3.1.
The night finished relatively early. I (Test example1) arrived home at 12.30pm- apparently, Test example2 fell asleep in an armchair in the lobby and awoke to an empty event at 1.45am, Test example3 managed to have a sleep whilst levitating above the white table cloth, glass in hand. Test example4 was the last I left behind, still sitting in an upright position and speaking coherently. Test example4 had had previous experience.

exhibit 3.1

Weihenstephaner Festbier is a must try during this 2 week beer celebration. It's got everything I'd expect from an Oktoberfest. Well worth the spend at €2.99 bottle.
Will there be an invite to the Berkley Court next year? Very much doubt it. At one point Test example2 was tearing pretzels apart and throwing them at our German neighbours. There was also a couple of incidents with unsteady steins close to trouser pockets which could well have been mistaken as a misinterpreted armchair!
Oktoberfest is great fun, well worth having a party in honour. It's one of the only times of the year that we can get drunk and blame it on the hike in ABV and then get away with it!!
Prost!!!
Ruthxx

Innis and Gunn, Rum Cask

2010-10-01T10:33:00.000+01:00

Innis & Gunn, Rum Cask

Myself and Eoin decided on the Rum Cask as our Thursday beer. It's been selling like Jif Lemon on Shrove Tuesday. We wanted to know what the beer frenzy was all about...
This looks like a glass of Coca-Cola after the ice has melted with a thin cream head.
Initially I was a little disappointed with the nose, I think I expected a full aged rum nose. I get charred wood with demerara sugar, there's a little bit of fruit evident but it's not prominent.
The palate however is a whole different beer. It tastes like 'Old Seadog' dark rum, it's balanced with some orange flavours, smokiness and some soft vanilla but the finish is really unusual it leaves a hot feeling, almost like the spiciness that you get from eating unsweetened natural black liquorice.
In some ways it's quite similar to Celebration Ale by Porterhouse but a little lighter in style. I'd try it with a winter stew or some smoked cheese.
Available in Whiskey finish, Rum finish and I.P.A
Ruthxx

Avalanche, Fyne Ales

2010-09-30T12:06:00.001+01:00

Adam has been harping on about this new Brewery since last Christmas and finally 9 months later it's here and pretty good. I like a beer that I can consume easily whilst watching X-factor repeats.
I am a massive fan of Headless Dog, Bitter and Twisted and when available Tradewinds by Cairngorm.
Fyne Ales, Avalanche is taste related to all of the above.
It pours, as you can see, a lemon and honey colour with a thin white head. It's one of those beers that's is brewed to look really good in a glass, It reminds me of an old Foster's adds where theirs a handsome rugged Aussie man wearing very little, a smoking barbecue and a glass of cold lager complete with condensation. Only we're minus the handsome rugged Australian, the shrimps but thankfully the beer is far better than Foster's lager.
It smells like grapefruit and lemon with elderflower, not the cordial type but quite like St Germain elderflower liqueur. The mouth-feel is only slightly carbonated, very lemony with floral flavours and a very dry and biscuity finish.
Fyne Ales is a family owned Scottish Brewery. The beer is brewed very close to Loch Fyne and was set up in 2001. You can find these guys in Argyll, Scotland and they kindly advertise brewery tours by appointment on their labels... A weekend in Scotland anyone???
All 3 varieties available in Deveney's - Maverick, Piper's Gold and Avalanche.
Ruthxx

Clear-out Special for Sept/Oct

2010-09-29T21:01:00.000+01:00

Clear-out Specials

-Sierra Nevada Kellerweis
American wheat beer, flavours of banana and clove, creamy palate, soft finish. Special price €2.40 each

-Svyturys Nefiltruotas Raw
Lithuanian wheat beer. Flavours of fruit, creamy heavy palate with a yeasty, doughy finish
Special price €1.99

- Erdinger Oktoberfest 2x500ml €5.00
- St.Peters Cream Stout €3.49 each
- Grolsch weizen 4x500ml €9.99
- Grolsch swing top 3 bots €7.00
and more to follow...
Ruthxx
Ruthxx

Meantime Raspberry.

2010-09-26T20:22:00.000+01:00

I have been looking at this beer for 3 weeks now. I love the Meantime Pale Ale and although raspberry yoghurt's are always my first choice, I'm just not a fan of raspberry alcohol. I have since put my negativity down to a bad experience with 4 bottles of Bacardi Breezer raspberry before ''Deep'' in the Stillorgan Park Hotel- In my minor years and I'll leave it at that!
This is a grand cru wheat ale. It looks beautiful in the glass, a deep raspberry colour with a thin white head. The raspberries are added before the secondary fermentation so unlike some other fruit beers, it's not synthetically flavoured. This is evident on both the nose and the palate.
It smells a little like a raspberry petit filous and I do love them! Strong fresh raspberry notes with some milky characteristics. The palate is both dry and sweet if this makes any sense, the finish is dry but the palate has elements of natural sugar and tannin. It's really refreshing and zingy.
Could I drink alot of it? No, I could though add a drop to the bottom of a glass of Prosecco and consume vast quantities. It's nicely carbonated so you could add it to a frizzante and make a relatively inexpensive Prosecco cocktail.
Drink it with chocolate desserts or as an aperitif, just don't drink 4 of them before an underage disco and then attempt the running man - not pretty!!!
Ruthxx

5 Barrel Pale Ale.

2010-09-23T20:44:00.000+01:00

It's Arthur Guinness day and despite the festivities taking place everywhere outside the Dundrum realm myself and Eoin Deveney are too celebrating the great brewing concept. We have made a conscious decision to ditch the black stuff and explore our American heritage in the way of the Odell Brewing Company, Fort Collins, Colorado.
5 Barrel Pale Ale graced our refrigeration unit no more than 5 weeks ago but due to other work commitments (a.k.a other drinks consumed) I had neglected to get tasting.

The 5Barrel Pale Ale pours a toffee, amber coloured ale. Looks like something you'd get a spoon to and shovel over ice-cream. It has this delicious redcurrant, raisin and sweet creamy pudding nose. It smells like it's going to be sweet and something I'd have with my mum's bread and butter pudding. NO! The second I go to take a slug I get a mouth full of a florist shop on Valentines day. Not unpleasant though, Cherry fruit mixed in there with a dry and hopped finish.
Eoin, who generally isn't a pale ale fan, is almost pleasantly surprised. Quote, unquote - ''I would buy a few bots but it's not my fav!!' - I actually prompted the fav abbreviation. He's way cooler than that, unlike his sister!!!
I have the St.Lupulin, Extra Pale Ale in stock also, will get blogging on that but may leave it until after 10pm - looks a little unprofessional.
Rxx

Lughnasa Beer Festival - The aftermath.

2010-08-25T20:32:00.000+01:00

''Deveney's of Dundrum, Lughnasa Beer Festival''
When plans took shape last February for a bottled beer festival to follow the successful 1st attempt, I had no idea or expectation that the response would be this positive.
My Grandmother Betty passed away 2 weeks before the event last Friday and although I wouldn't regard myself as a very Religious person, I pulled every string up there to get the sunny evening we were graced with. Including a special prayer at her funeral to grant me one nice evening in August. She definitely did that!
We had a full house, people queuing with or without tickets and unfortunately those without were turned away because we barely had room for those with!
14 Beer Stands showcasing the best Irish and foreign beers available in bottle format.
The four great Irish Breweries - Clanconnell, Carlow, PorterHouse and Dungarvan each had individual stands plus Hilden and Strangford made cameo appearances.
So, the favourites at the festival....

- Brewdog Brewery. Stewart one of the Scottish brewers made it over to talk ticket holders through almost the entire range excluding ''TNP'' - unfortunately!! but their 18% ''Tokyo'' was available in half measure quantity. ''Trashy Blonde'' and ''5am Saint'' were serious contenders for the most tasted and liked.
- Crabbies alcoholic Ginger Beer was a huge hit, served from the Crabbies tour bus with a slice of lemon and some ice. Serious crowd pleaser and not just with the girls!!.
- Mc Chouffe, the Belgian great. Always a firm favourite at our beer club but nice to see it was very much appreciated by a wider audience.
- Aspall's Cyders, these guys were a massive success at our first beer festival and they seemed to be just as popular on Friday.
- Samichlaus - Santa Claus beer, a sweet heavy style of 14% beer. Christmas spice and plum fruit. Really unusual and everyone wanted to get a taste.
- Speakeasy Prohibition. An American micro brewery I.P.A.
- Kasteel Cru rose got a great reception and Blue Moon also proved to be very popular.
- Dungarvan Helvick Gold was a firm favourite according to all those that posted up on Facebook or got in touch via Twitter.
- O'hara's Irish Pale Ale is a massive favourite of mine and also got a great response on Friday night.
I am delighted to say that I didn't hear of one disgruntled attendee. The venue at some stages got a little too cosy but ''Prison Love'' managed to keep everyone squashed and sane. Suzanne Purcell did an amazing acoustic set in ''Crawdaddy'' and ''Ludwig'' the ''German Brewer'' from Paulaner kept the crowd entertained and educated! I think almost everyone left the festival with a lesson on ''how to pour the perfect Paulaner'' in their back pocket.
Thanks to everyone involved. Especially to the gorgeous ''Deveney's Beer Girls''.
Hope you all enjoyed it and to those that couldn't attend - hope I get the opportunity to do it all again!!
Thanks and see you soon,
Ruthxx

Delivery service.

2010-08-18T12:05:00.004+01:00

Take-away Beer to your door......

Deveney's of Dundrum deliver nationwide.

All beer, all quantities, all over Ireland.

Outside Dublin:

Delivery per 20x500ml Bottle c/s = €9.50 incl.Vat.

Every additional c/s to same address = €5.50 incl.Vat

To anywhere in Ireland.

(same delivery price for 24x330ml c/s)

Dublin:

Delivery per 20x500ml bottle c/s = €7.90 incl.Vat.

Every additional c/s to same address = €4.30 incl.Vat.

(same delivery price for 24x330ml c/s )

*Over 18's only, I.D required on delivery if requested*

Payment by Credit card or Debit card.

Email details and order to ruthdeveney@gmail.com

Phone: 01-2984288

Preview of the Lughnasa Beer Festival

2010-06-29T12:04:00.000+01:00

Festival Preview:
Pre-purchased ticket only event.
Tickets available through Deveney's of Dundrum, via PayPal on this blog or through selected specialist Off-Licences.
Ticket Price - €20.00 each.
Ticket holders receive 5 complimentary ''Beer punts'' on arrival.
The festival Beer Book and Tasting glass.
1 ''Beer Punt'' = 1x140ml beer serve.
Additional ''Beer Punts'' available to purchase through the ''Beer Bank'' at €1.50 each.
The event is run on ''Beer Punts'' only.
14 Beer stands with a total of 200 Premium Bottled Beers from around the world.
Entertainment by ''Prison Love'' and Suzanne Purcell.
Food vendors on site serving good beer food all evening.

Brewer Line-up Preview:

- Brew Dog
- Breconshire Brewery
- Hirsch Brewery
- Brooklyn Brewery
- Carlow Brewing Co
- Dungarvan Brewery
- Clanconnell Brewery
- Svytury's
- Utenos
- Mendocino
- Speakeasy
- Black Diamond
- Hilden Brewery
- Sharps
- Wychwood
- Schneider
- Green's
- Erdinger
- Krombacher
- Budejovicky
- St.Peters
- Shepherd Neame
- Aspall's
- Paulaner
- Desperados
- Blue Moon
- Kasteel Cru Rose
- Duvel
- Maredsous
- Vedett
- La Chouffe
- Liefman's
- Estrella
- Weihenstephaner
- Adnams
- PorterHouse range
And loads more....
Experience Premium bottled beers this summer in Dublin.
Ruthxx

White Hawk.

2010-06-08T22:42:00.002+01:00

Haven't tried the Red Tail but had a bottle of the White Hawk with David and a bowl of home-made Guacamole on Sunday. We're both massive fans of American I.P.A's and this is good.

Looks like a Belgian witte beer, creamy and milky in the glass. The palate is caramel, honey and some nice balanced hops. In fact this is more my kinda I.P.A than most I've tried of late.

A little less savoury than most and a heavier palate.

Maybe less of a summer beer but then the weather over the last 4 days has been more monsoon than South of France.

It's really good and worth €3.29,

Ruthxx

BeeWyched Beer Special.

2010-06-08T22:36:00.002+01:00

BeeWyched Honey'd Ale by Wychwood is on special this week.

€1.99, 500ml bottle.

A honey beer brewed with Fairtrade honey and loads of delicious other things...

Come get it!

Ruthxx

Irish Craft Beer synopsis

2010-05-29T13:19:00.003+01:00

We had a great turn-out for the May tasting on Thursday 27th. Tom from Dungarvan made the journey to meet all the Irish craft beer fans.

We tasted the Dungarvan 3 - Blonde, red and stout along with The Cathedral Quarter from Hilden, O'Hara's Curim, the Clotworthy Dobbin by Whitewater and Celebration Ale and An Brain Blasta by the Porterhouse.

The Dungarvan trio were a massive success but all beers on tasting proved to be individual, interesting and something to feel patriotically proud.

If you're in search of strange and unusual, The Celebration Ale by the Porterhouse is worth a try. This tastes very similar to the unsweetened liquorice from Health shops. At 7% and quite viscous, this coats your mouth almost like a cough mixture. As much as this would be a little too serious for me, I can see the appeal.

The Clotworthy and An Brain- Blasta are as good as they were on previous tastings.

The Cathedral Quarter, not a fully fledged Red. Fresh red berry fruit and really easy to consume.

Thanks to everyone.

Ruthxx

Lughnasa Beer Festival tickets for sale.

2010-05-27T10:48:00.004+01:00

After much design debate we have agreed, sent to print and as of yesterday tickets and posters are here in my possession. I can guarantee that you will come across these colourful posters in the strangest of locations. Unfortunately the tickets must be purchased through Deveney's of Dundrum or via Paypal on this blog.

Look forward to vending to you all!!!

Don't leave it too late, hate to disappoint,

Ruthxx

€20.00 each.

Schlenkerla range plus one.

2010-05-22T12:45:00.004+01:00

So, the smoked beers are back in stock plus one.

The new edition is the smoked wheat beer.

Strange flavour concept but no more unusual that a smoked marzen or a slightly smoked lager.

Haven't sampled it yet but may give it a try with some Applewood smoked cheese.

The flavour in a glass without food is a little too intense for me. I know we've alot of fans though and not alot of stock. Shout if you want me to set some aside,

See you all Thursday,

Ruthxx

Tactical Nuclear Penguin / Tokyo

2010-05-21T21:12:00.003+01:00

Throughout the month of December the most common Beer request was Brewdog's Tactical Nuclear Penguin.

To answer all of those questions: What/Where/How Strong/Availability? I still can only answer one. Yes, it is available through Deveney's on a pre-order basis. I have not tasted it and although my beer palate is developing nicely, this may not be an avenue I am prepared to explore.

Give me a shout if this is something you are interested in. Lead-time approximately 10 days.

Tokyo also available, a little more readily though.

Ruthxx

May 2010 Tasting.

2010-05-20T11:04:00.003+01:00

Thursday 27th of May is our May tasting.

In view of the arrival of Dungarvan on our shelves and the ever growing array of craft beers from Ireland-this is our theme.

Join us in Deveney's for a bit of Thursday, compare and contrast and a couple of hours of guaranteed patriotism.

-Porterhouse

-Dungarvan

-Hilden

-Whitewater

-Carlow.

Hope to see you all here,

Ruthxx

Shepherd Neame Special May 2010.

2010-05-13T16:55:00.003+01:00

This weeks special...

- Spitfire

- Bishops Finger

- Whitstable Bay

Mix any 4 bottles for €10.

Ruthxx

Dungarvan Range in Deveney's

2010-05-12T17:15:00.003+01:00

We are very proud to be the first stockist in Dublin of the Dungarvan Range.

Available as of 5pm today.

Black Rock Irish Stout

Helvick Gold Blonde Ale

Copper Coast Red Ale

Will be tasting this evening and posting my verdict. We've all being waiting anxiously for their trip to Dublin.

The best of luck Cormac, Claire, Jen and Tom and thanks for the speedy delivery.

Ruthxx

Einbecker Mai-Ur- Bock

2010-05-06T19:50:00.002+01:00

If you're looking for a beer to drink with a close-to-expired passport and a work trip looming this is your beer.

Einbecker Mai-Ur-Bock is a lovely golden colour. The nose is like freshly baked biscuits, malt with grass and floral notes. The palate is quite sweet with some caramel, biscuit and fruit.

If I get out to the airport at the 4.30am start only to be sent straight back to Nutgrove, I'll be finishing the remaining 3 bottles in my fridge by 7am as compensation for loss of sleep.

I'll keep you posted.

Patron Saint of Volcanoes?

Ruthxx

River Horse Hefe Ryzen

2010-04-07T19:26:00.002+01:00

I took this in a couple of months ago along with the other River Horse gear and had neglected posting on it. For no other reason than side tracked and pre occupied.

I re-lived the Hefe- Ryzen experience on Sunday.

Panned out in front of the box with Indiana Jones, 3 Easter eggs and a bottle of Casa Patronales Reserva Cabernet. I had forgotten about this little gem buried behind a head of lettuce. David, in search of a beer discovered the Brewer's Reserve. He is now a fan along with myself and hopefully the Beer Club when I put it up on tasting Thursday week.

Despite the non de-script label, the liquid on the inside more than makes up.

It pours a merky golden colour with a nice creamy head.

The nose is ripe banana, wheat, spice and slightly caramelised aromas.

The palate has good weight, creamy mouth-feel, ripe fruit with an off dry finish.

We only had one bottle so I sacrificed, stuck with the wine and allowed Dave to hum his way through the 330mls.

Available to taste in store April 15th,

Available to purchase everyday,

Ruthxx

April Tasting 2010

2010-04-07T15:51:00.002+01:00

The April Tasting is scheduled for Thursday 15th.

We're gonna taste a mix of styles and varieties.

Welsh, English and American along with a couple of surprises.

I hope to see you all here at the regular slot.

-Deveney's of Dundrum

-6.30pm - 8pm

-Thursday 15th April.

Look forward to seeing the originals along with some new faces!!!.

Ruthxx

Baltika 8 Special.

2010-03-20T11:36:00.002Z

Just in time for the match today......

Today's special, Baltika 8, Wheat, €1.49 500ml Bottle.

Available until stocks last.

Also on special this week

Harviestouns Old Engine Oil €1.99

Schneider Hopfen Weisse €1.99

Svyturys Baltas Wheat €1.99

Just because we're feeling a little strapped after Patrick's Day doesn't mean we have to revert back to Dutch Gold.

Ruthxx

Kasteel Cru Rose

2010-03-16T17:12:00.004Z

I was a little dubious about this beer when they launched it a couple of years ago. As a wine drinker myself, I was the target market on all levels - price, aesthetics, product placement and production method. This is a beer brewed with Champagne yeast from the Alsace region in France. Personally, my expectations were high and I was seriously disappointed as a result. I found this kinda boring... Crisp and dry with some floral notes and way too carbonated. I felt it didn't warrant €2.99. Molston Coors own the brand and have recently set up shop here in Ireland. The product has fallen hugely in price thus making it affordable and have also released Kasteel Cru Rose.

I opened this last night and was really impressed with the quality and style.

This is like a Cremant or Sparkling wine from France. Dry, Biscuity palate with some subtle summer fruits - tinned Strawberries. Crisp, clean citrus finish. Really elegant and a great aperitif or just good for lowering (responsibly!!). Novel, interesting but not gimmicky. A really good beer and available in Deveney's now for €2.29 bottle.

I reckon and I'll be slated for saying this but it's a great alternative to Prosecco for a fraction of the price. A different style but variety and all that!!

Kasteel Cru Rose and White €2.29 Bottle.

Ruthxx

Blue Moon

2010-03-16T16:19:00.002Z

I love this American Craft Beer. Brewed in Denver, Colorado with oats, thus explaining the soft creaminess and heavy palate. This is brewed with orange peel and coriander, apparently. I can't detect coriander thankfully, as it's not a favourite of mine but the orange is prominent, fresh and juicy, not the dried sour acidic peel style. There is definitely some spice on the finish - clove, I think.

Really good American White Beer. at €1.99 Bottle.

Not just for girls though, David loved it!!!!

Ruthxx

Old Engine Oil Special.

2010-03-12T16:43:00.004Z

Harviestoun, Old Engine Oil is on Special this weekend.

Really smooth dark beer. Chocolate, malt and coffee flavours. 6% alc, hailing from the award winning Scottish Brewery.

Special price, €1.99 bt, available in Deveney's of Dundrum until stocks last.

Ruthxx

''Prison Love'' at our 2nd Festival.

2010-03-11T18:32:00.006Z

When we began planning the 2nd Deveney's Beer Festival these guys were top of my list. The idea of a Bluegrass band to accompany an eclectic range of Bottled Beers from around the World seemed to marry in my mind. I had heard rumours of their talent and when I stumbled upon them on My Space, I made the decision that we couldn't have a festival without them.

They said 'Yes'!!, I'm very excited and I think, after listening to this we'll be on the same page!!. When you've reviewed your finances and that summer holiday seems in affordable, the summer seems long, the weather seems 'Irish'. We're gonna provide the best Bottled Beer Knees-up. In celebration of the Pagan Festival Lughnasadh and everything that makes Dublin so fabulous. Tickets will go on sale within the next few weeks and I give you my word that this will be an event not to miss.

The POD Complex, 20-08-2010. Deveney's of Dundrum, Lughnasadh Beer Festival.

Ruthxx

March 2010 Svytury Special

2010-03-10T17:58:00.004Z

After the sell-out success of the Schneider deal last week I've had to come up with a 2nd offer for the month. Svytury's Wheat Baltas was one of the most popular bottles at the Deveney's Beer Festival, so to celebrate this......

Svytury's Wheat Baltas is €1.99, 500ml Bot.

Till stocks last.

Don't leave it too long,

Ruthxx

March 2010 synopsis

2010-03-06T11:18:00.003Z

March Tasting was by far the best to date despite suffering from disorganised syndrome and a laptop malfunction on Thursday. The tasting notes had to be hand written and copied and my well of plastic tasting cups had dried up unknownst to me until attendees arrived.

The surprise (even to me!) line-up was really successful and we got into some of my new and exclusive beer gear. Resulting in an empty fridge.

Brooklyn summer ale (U.S) was first up. I threw this in due to associated sunshine more than exciting and unusual. I have consumed and sold this on previous years but never remember it being this good. When you consider that it's the same price as a basic Mexican Cerveza, this is good beer at a good price. The nose is citrus, slightly candied with subtle hop aromas. The palate is clean, crisp with a touch of residual sugar, lemon and bready flavours with some balanced hop - all well integrated. Next on the list was Headless Dog (IRE), winner of Best Beer at ''Deveney's of Dundrum, The Beer Festival''. I really love this brew. I think it's quite a feminine beer despite the male following. The nose is really aromatic - grapefruit, elderflower and citrus with some hop evident. The palate is clean, zesty, thirst quenching with floral and fruit flavours. This is a serious crowd pleasing beer. I also love that it's Irish. I pulled out Augustiner Edelstoff (GER) as number 3. My reasoning behind this is due to it's popularity and scarcity, we never seem to have it in the fridge for too long. I had my one- of- four deliveries from these guys the previous day so it's about as fresh as we'll ever get it on the Irish market. I'm also a massive fan!! The nose is grassy, slightly vegetal with lemon and hop aromas. The palate is nicely carbonated, floral, hop and a cake mix finish. It's a deceptive beer in the mouth, initially feels light and lager-ish but the weight is all on the finish. Schlenkerla Helles Lagerbier was the pull factor for the evening. My allocation was 20 bottles - I have since managed to squeeze an additional 20 bts out of my specialist supplier, reluctantly. This is very rare - 10c/s available in Ireland. Made by the smoked beer guys in Bamburg. This is not a smoked beer but has taken on some smoked characteristics, subtly. The nose is fresh citrus fruit with a faint smokiness hiding in the wings. The palate is medium bodied, nicely carbonated, zesty with this unusual savoury finish - smoked bacon in my opinion, I have heard Kippers, frankfurters and my good friend Karl reckons Smiths Bacon Fries. Everyone to their own!! We went from there to Hoffbrau Munchner (HB) Weisse. I'd forgotten about this staple German. Really good and far better that I remember. The nose is ripe banana, wheat, malt and another sweet fruit, couldn't pin it though. The palate is medium bodied, no chalky residue, really creamy but not stodgy, banana with some malt evident. Delicious, definitely for the old reliable list. Lastly, we went again for a Beer festival favourite. Ireland's own Clotworthy Dobbin. This has an incredibly impressive nose. Not far off a beer styled Amarone. Black chocolate, coffee bean, caramel and raisin fruit. The nose gives way to a lighter palate. I do find this slightly disappointing but it makes sense for consumption purposes. Sweet fruit flavours with a savoury maltiness and some masculine hops - not a flower in sight. Quite light on the mouth feel. I can totally understand, although not really my bag, why it was a serious contender for best beer.

All in all, really interesting, a fabulous turn-out from all over Dublin, which I greatly appreciate. It makes writing this blog worthwhile. Female participation is lacking slightly but I'm working on it!!!

Thanks to everyone,

Hope to see you all soon,

Ruthxx

Little Valley, Giner Pale Ale.

2010-03-04T16:29:00.005Z

A night on my own in number 66 is a rarity so, Tuesday I executed some secret single behaviour in the form of ''10 Thing's I hate about you'' (bad Heath Ledger Chick Flick), a bacon sandwich and a bottle of Little Valley Brewery, Ginger Pale Ale. This is unlike any alcoholic ginger flavoured beers we've done before. Hailing from West Yorkshire, suitable for Vegans, CAMRA certified and a reasonable alcohol content for a Tuesday - 4%. I like this.....

It pours a deep golden honey colour. The nose is really interesting and delicious - spice, ginger, fresh honey and citrus fruit.I expected a mouth-full of McVities Jamaica Cake, I was totally off though. Dry, crisp, slightly yeasty with flavour of root ginger and lemon zest. Really refreshing. I think I've found a new accompaniment to Asian food. Amazing with duck and orange sauce or experiment with summer shandies - this year it's all about kitsch also known as money saving.

Will be available in Deveney's of Dundrum late next week.

Ruthxx

Aecht Schlenkerla range.

2010-03-03T18:05:00.003Z

The Brother and Sister of the very famous smoked beer from Bamberg arrived this morning.

All 3 available in Deveney's as of today.

Marzen

Helles Lagerbier(new)

Urbock(new)

I've a bit of tasting homework to do tonight and the Lager and Bock are top of my list.

Post my verdict tomorrow,

Ruthxx

Schneider Brooklyner Special

2010-03-03T17:46:00.003Z

I think this could possibly be the best deal to date!!

Schneider & Brooklyner Hopfen Weisse

€1.99 500ml Bottle.

Save €2.30 bt

Available as of today, until stocks last.

See previous post for tasting notes.

This is an old favourite,

Ruthxx

10ltr and 20ltr Headless Dog

2010-02-26T16:44:00.004Z

Just delivered this afternoon.......freshly filled this morning, 10litre and 20litre - (piggin and polypin) kegs of Headless Dog.

Piggin (10ltr) €49.90

Polypin (20ltr) €90.00

Reusable kegs and much more financially viable than 20 pints in the local.

Available today from Deveney's of Dundrum.... Ruthxx

H. Norton Special, March '10

2010-02-24T15:14:00.005Z

Hook Norton Brewery Special...... 25% off

Haymaker - now €2.50 bt. (while stocks last)

Twelve Days - now €2.50 bt. (while stocks last)

Ruthxx

Speakeasy White Lightning

2010-02-23T22:28:00.004Z

I'm pretty fond of the white beers, in fact they generally take up approximately 50% of my top 10's. My preference would be Belgians but I love the American take on the traditional white beers.

The Speakeasy brewery from San Francisco have done a particularly good job on White Lightning. They managed to keep it light enough on the mouth to easily consume a 6 pack without it being too boring to warrant €2.70 a bottle.

The nose is pretty unusual in comparison to the other American brewery whites. I get basil and orange peel, although they claim it's coriander. The palate is fat, creamy but not stodgy, soft, slightly sweet with citrus fruits and herbaceous flavours.

This is really good, a beer to end a Saturday night, after a cheeseburger and teamed with a Marlboro light before hitting the nest.

Stock it and will definitely be drinking it,

Ruthxx

An Brain blásta

2010-02-23T21:23:00.010Z

This is a long overdue post. This was bottled 3 days before The Beer Festival and was available to taste on the night. I, unfortunately abstained from drinking or tasting at the festival so I took it back to Nutgrove as homework.

This is the 3rd Bottled Brew from the Porterhouse Brewing Company, Dublin (Subsequently number 4 is now available).

At 7%, this is an strong Irish ale. An Brain blásta meaning the ''Tasty drop'' is a pretty accurate name for this massively flavoured savoury beer.

The colour is a deep amber, red with a slightly brown hue. The nose is pretty complex, really savoury malt and rye notes with hints of caramel, biscuit and fruit - I think cherry, not to sound too pedantic.

The Palate is, as the name goes, really tasty. This is definitely a beer for food, savoury almost meaty mouth, toast, ryvita crackers with some subtle summer fruits on the finish and a slightly burnt caramel flavour.

If I'm being honest, this is way too much for me. There was no flavour that I really disliked and a bottle I could handle with some smoked cheese or cured meat but after a long days work I don't think I'd be reaching for this as my ''sleeper''. Good job by the Porterhouse Boys but maybe too much of a mans ale for me!!!!!!!!

Interesting and a ''tasty drop''

Ruthxx

March 2010 Beer Tasting

2010-02-23T15:48:00.003Z

Thursday March 4th is our first Beer Club Meeting since the Festival.

As you can see from the Line-up on your left, I've decided to run with the theme of ''No Theme''.

Just a mix of new gear and a couple of Favourite's from the Deveney's Beer Festival.

For all those hardened club members it's the usual drill.

Venue: Deveney's of Dundrum

Time: 6.30pm - 8pm

For all you new attendees, It's a very informal Tasting where we drink Beer and chat.

So, hope to see you all here, Ruthxx

Fraoch 20th Anniversary

2010-02-17T11:45:00.006Z

Fraoch 20th Anniversary Ale by The Williams Brothers is their celebration of 20years of successful brewing. This is a limited edition ale of which they produced 7,500 bottles. Deveney's of Dundrum have 5 - left. I've sold a few and sacrificed one for this post. It's a heather ale matured in single malt whisky cask. These Whisky casks, like most Single Scottish Malts and more recently Irish Whiskey, were previously Sherry cask, originating from Jerez in Spain. The particular cask used to lager this Ale stored a single malt Speyside Whisky. Speyside tends to be a very aromatic style of Whisky and sits somewhere between the softness of a Highland and the saltiness of an Islay.

Fraoch 20th pours a dark golden colour with a thin white head. The nose is really complex displaying typical Sherry characteristics - nutty, dry white wine with some caramel and yeasty notes. The palate has loads of layers. Dried fruit - raisin, honey, slightly peaty and a nuttiness that's really pleasant against a semi-sweet backdrop. This is 11% and only available in a 750ml so it's pretty important to remember on consumption that its the same volume and close to the alcohol content of a bottle of wine.

Available in Deveney's Dundrum until stock's last @ €12.90

Bacon sandwich, smoked cheese, stuffed pork or just a side of ham.... They'd all work pretty well, Ruthxx

Headless Dog, Beer Festival winner

2010-02-08T20:40:00.003Z

Headless Dog by The College Green Brewery, won the favourite beer at 'Deveney's of Dundrum, The Beer Festival'.
This is a pretty amazing achievement. Not only was there 110 Bottled beers from all over the world to choose from, these guys are a relatively new Brewery and most importantly they're Irish!!!!
We were very lucky to have Head brewer Owen Scullion present at the Beer Festival to promote The Headless Dog, Molly's Chocolate Stout and The Belfast Blond and this obviously paid dividends to the result!!!
The Headless Dog is an amber ale brewed with North American Cascade and Munich Malt.
The nose is both fruity and floral - loads of banana, fresh dough, violets and citrus fruit. The palate is violets, fresh strawberries with a biscuit finish.
The quirky name relates to a mural on the brew house wall of a headless Labrador??? That, I can't answer but this is a really easy drinking beer. For those of you who have tried Tradewinds by Cairngorm Brewery and liked it, this is for you.
Congratulations Hilden Brewery and Thanks again Owen,
Ruthxx

Red Branch, Hard Cherry Cider.

2010-02-08T19:52:00.003Z

Red Branch, Hard Cherry Cider arrived in, in a mixed case of Honey and Apple and Peach flavoured 500ml swing top bottles.

Red Branch are an award winning Cider producer from Sunnyvale, California. Pretty heavily carbonated, which both myself and my Saturday night dress experienced first hand.

This is definitely not girly cider. The alcohol content comes in just .1% below 7%. The nose is fresh raspberry, citrus and slightly sherbety. After the initial 'I just swallowed a Soda Stream' - my highly carbonated mouth and nose subsided- slightly uncomfortable!!. It gave way to flavours of fresh cherries, raspberries and grapefruit. Surprisingly tart with very little residual sugar evident on the finish. This is not Fruit cider as we know it. Kopparberg and Rekorderlig fans - maybe not your bag!!

Available in Deveney's of Dundrum.

Ruthxx

Top 20 Beers of the Festival

2010-02-06T11:27:00.003Z

Tuesday, Last, 240 ticketbearing beer enthusiasts showed up at The Bull and Castle, Christchurch, for the launch of Ireland's first Independent Bottled Beer festival. 'Deveney's of Dundrum, The Beer Festival' was even more successful than I'd imagined and although I'd suffered a couple of migranes and serious stress attacks throughout the organisation process. It was 100% worth it!!!!!!!!!!!

110 Bottled beers from all corners of the world including a great range of our own Irish brews, which I'm always keen to see and taste - more importantly!!!

The Rate your favourite beer area was a collage of coloured post-it's enabling me to put together your top 20 brews of 'Deveney's of Dundrum, The Beer Festival', so here goes..........

1) Headless Dog

2) Bitter & Twisted

3) Aspall's Organic Cyder

4) Unertl

5) Svytury's Baltas

6) Aecht Rauchbier

7) Vedett White

8) Porter House Hophead

9) Aspall's 1er Cru Cyder

10) Estrella Inedit

11) Korenwolf

12) Ola Dubh 12yr

13) La Chouffe

14) Tradewinds

15) Clotworthy Dobbin

16) Pinkus Special

17) Young's Double Chocolate Stout

18) Chapeau Kriek Lambic

19) River Horse Hop-a-lot-amus

20) Maredsous Triple

Just want to take this opportunity to thank-you all for showing such interest in this blog, my monthly club and subsequently The Beer Festival.

Special thanks to my beer importers and also to Henry Chevalier from Aspall's Cyder, Owen from Hilden Brewery and Floris and Guillem from Estrella who all took the trip to Dublin to be here for the big night.

Loads of thanks to my gorgeous Beer girls - my lovely sister Clare, Louise, Anna, Karin, Sue, Karen, Kerrie, Lorraine, Christina and Ciara-Ann.

The Bull and Castle- My favourite pub in Dublin!!. Dave, Geoff, Cathal, Joe and Michael, Thanks for all your help and hard work. It was a great night as a result....

I'll be posting up on the full synopsis this weekend.

Loads of Love

Ruthxx

The Festival Kick-off

2010-02-01T12:52:00.007Z

Just tying up some loose ends and then we're good to go for tomorrow night.

Need to stress that it's a 6.30pm start.

This is also a ticket only event..... Unfortunately no ticket, no entry. Those of you without will have to wait for part 2, which as it transpires might not be too long!!!!

Looking forward to seeing you all there at 6.30pm!!!!!!!!!!!

Slightly nervous and very excited,

Ruthxx

Sold out.

2010-01-20T20:09:00.004Z

Not a ticket left for The Beer Festival.

For all those left without, you'll have to wait for part 2..... Coming soon!!!!

Ticket holders, see you all on the 2nd.

Thanks for making this happen,

Ruthxx

Tickets still available for the festival.

2009-12-31T10:08:00.004Z

Tickets for 'Deveney's of Dundrum, The Beer Festival' on the 2nd February in the Bull and Castle, Christchurch, are still available.

Get in touch if you haven't booked and collected.

80 Beers to sample on the official line up along with some bonus surprises!!!!!

It'll be the best night this side of 2010 and in the running for the far side.....

Happy New Year,

Ruthxx

Goose Island Bourbon County '09

2009-12-20T21:08:00.003Z

This came in late last week but I've been incredibly busy and blog neglect has set in. This is a very unique offering from the Goose Island guys. Brewed to mark the completion of 1000 batches of beer. Aged for 150 days in Bourbon Barrel. This imperial stout is described as 'The Cigar Beer'. I'm not a Montecristo smoker but I'll definitely give it a go with a Marlboro Light.

Limited stock, Available now...

Ruthxx

Paulaner Hefe-Weisbier Dunkel

2009-12-20T20:40:00.003Z

Along with authentic bad German music, food, steins and Oktoberfest barmaids, Heineken Ireland shipped in the Paulaner Hefe-Weisbier Dunkel for the Oktoberfest in the IFSC. Fortunately for Deveney's, the left over stock was sold to us at a reasonable price thus allowing us to sell it to you at €1.99 a bottle!!!!!!!!

Get in quick,

Ruthxx