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Ask not what your country can do for you...

There are times in our lives when we have to step up to the plate and do our duty. We may not like it, but sometimes it has to be done for the greater good. So it was in Tara’s Speciality Beer House in Ballina last weekend, when I was asked to step in as third judge for the homebrew beer competition on the Saturday evening. For the sake of humanity I agreed to spend an afternoon sampling beers. A tough task, I’m sure you’ll agree.

The second Bierhaus Beerfest was held over the weekend of Friday 20th to Sunday 22nd June 2008. It was run in conjunction with the Shandon Street Festival which is a community festival held on the Saturday.

While Dave, owner of the Bierhaus, made great efforts to have everything up and running for the festival unfortunately the one thing he did not book was the weather! Saturday was a really horrible wintry day, which was more of a damper to the outdoor events at the Shandon Festival which I visited before adjourning to the warmth of the Bierhaus.

We had hoped to have an ICB meet-up but this did not materialise, but a few members were there at different times on Saturday and I hope this article is in tandem with their thoughts of what beers were on offer.

The Great American Beer FestivalWhen the lads from Galway Hooker were installing their brew in the Bull and Castle, I quizzed them about their inspiration for producing an IPA. Ronan told me about their experience at the Great American Beer Festival in Denver and said that if I ever got the chance that I should go. I took note and when Jerry Kolbly from The Newport Beach brewery in Orange county visited us in the Bull and Castle and also mentioned the GABF, adding that he could get me a brewers pass for the weekend, I was there!

The October Bank Holiday week-end has traditionally been known as the Jazz Weekend in Cork (are you goin' jazzin' boy?), but over the past few years I have also visited the Franciscan well this weekend. This year the Oktoberfest was my main focus and I must say I had a most enjoyable time. Being a single man, with no commitments, I did not have to apply for passes to attend! Herewith is a summary of my partaking- hope the memory is o.k.

 

Since the opening of the Bierhaus, in August 2006, we have a second super location to visit for top quality beers. This year Dave, Mr. Bierhaus, also put on an Oktoberfest Special where he mainly showcased Irish beers, with some international specials as well. Even better choice!