Tag: Galway

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Micil Distillery

On Galway Bay in the Salthill neighborhood is the Oslo just across from the D’Arcy Roundabout. It is bright blue but not outwardly different from other pubs in Galway.

But if you head inside and past the bar on the left, then head upstairs a flight, you will find a whole different vibe. The cozy wood and cool graphic design of the Micil ( like nickel with an M ) Distillery.

It doesn’t fit the space at all and is a pleasant surprise to be ushered into the tasting experience space. A massive table set- up with gin-gridients, peat moss and bottles of spirits. And to the side is the original still used by the family.

The tasting begins with a gin cocktail which is light and bubbly, filled with grapefruit and botanicals. Then the history starts as well as a peek downstairs at the teeny tiny distilling operation.

Next up is Poitin, regular and Heritage. Not being a peat fan, the regular is more up my alley. Velvety smooth with a bite to it, that finishes clean.

Then it is Irish Whiskey time. Earls Island is the flagship and it is tasty. I did not taste all that Ireland had to offer but this made me sit back and relax. There is also Inverin, a slightly peated version and also Madeira Island finished in that wine cask.

To conclude, Irish Cream is poured. If, like me, you have been avoiding this because of the sticky sweetness of Bailey’s and its candy like variants, don’t. This is a swirl of Poitin with whiskey and honey, matched evenly with the cream. Dessert heaven.

Micil doesn’t sell in the states yet and that means you may have to just fly to Ireland.

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Ireland – Looking Back

Jet lag doesn’t seem to affect me nearly as much going on vacation as it does coming back. That thrill and excitement and just new-ness mitigates while the routine and chores doesn’t light up the brain.

Which is why I waited a couple days to get my overall beer and spirits thoughts together on my two weeks in Ireland.

First off, I am glad that I waited to have a true Irish Coffee in Ireland. Yes, Los Angeles to San Francisco (the American home of the cocktail) is a shorter trip but my Dad’s favorite tipple needed a bigger bang. Nine bigger than having one at the Tullamore D.E.W. Distillery and then a second comparison versioj at Garavan’s in Galway.

The second box that I ticked was to get a wide variety of Irish craft beers tasted. From Donegal to Wicklow, I was able to get cans from all levels of breweries. I wanted to do more than just dip my toe, I wanted to get wet at least up to the ankle.

Third on my list was to see what Guinness was up to and if it was up to snuff. Of course, I had a couple pints of the dark stuff while I was there but the St. Jame’s Gate brewery is more than that. I had there Rock Shore Lager and their Hop House 13 Lager and especially the latter was quite tasty.

The last item on my list was to have a second distillery tour and boy, did Micil Distillery in Salthill fill that bill. It was a comprehensive tasting. And it opened my eyes as to how good Irish Cream Liqueur could be when not sugared to candy levels.

Some other thoughts…

  • Spanish and Italian mass market lagers are indeed big there
  • Tipping rules are so different, usually you just tap your card without getting the device turned around to add extra
  • alcohol in grocery stores is behind saloon style doors and can only be bought during certain hours, no purchases on Sunday before noon
  • most pubs and bars have your hits and maybe a craft tap or two

The biggest take-away that I figured would happen but needed to feel was that the vibe is just slower. I found myself not blowing through a pint, it wasn’t quite savoring every drop mode but I sure did relax.

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Ireland – Galway

After a train ride with a boisterous but well behaved group of Spanish teens from the centre of the country to the Wild Atlantic Way, craft beer drinking has begun in rainy Galway.

Food was needed and so a really large bowl of Irish Stew was ordered and to pair with it, Galway Hooker’s Irish Pale Ale. Branded glassware is big here and not just a little logo. The city colors of Galway were all over the glass.

Braving rain, which hasn’t been much of a moist deal on this trip was required and after sitting during the morning, a stretch of the legs was needed. The bustling Shop Street pulled like a tide in the bay and I found McCambridges. Restaurant on the 1st floor and ground level was a mini food emporium with a nice selection of mini bottles of Irish spirits. I chose a whiskey, a gin and a mead to cover my bases then chose two IPAs based on the mind-trippy labels. One from The White Hag and a second Galway Hooker.

The next day was spent walking in different areas of the city from Eyre Square to the Spanish Arch to Merlin’s Grove. In between, there was a stop for pizza at The Dough Bros. ( who own pizza in this town) and their White Hag collaboration New World IPA.

I found a nearby Centra with a darn good beer selection for a convenience store in a tourist laden part of the city and found another new-ish Irish Brewery, Whiplash. Now I have a coffee porter to try.

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Irish Brewery # 2 – Galway Hooker Craft Brewing Co.

Just to make things clear from the outset, a hooker is a type of seafaring vessel in this Galway brewery name. Galway Hooker Craft Brewing Co. is based in Oranmore just outside of the city.

Time to dive into some beers from this West Coast brewery….

Organic Irish Pilsner – “Clean, crisp, and refreshing, this style shows off its floral and spicy hop aroma and subtle bitterness on a slightly bready, malt base. A unique brew, it was made by beer lovers for beer lovers.”

Irish Pale Ale – “A fresh and zingy Pale Ale with a floral aroma. We’ve been crafting beer since 2006, and we’ve enjoyed every moment. We’re very proud of our Irish Pale Ale which has all the hoppy bitterness of a classic pale ale married to the solid drinkability of a good draught lager.”

It’s Complicated Export Helles – “Medium-bodied and complex, this brew offers a harmonious blend of flavors that keep you coming back for more. Enjoy the layers of taste in every glass.”

Galway Girl Hazy IPA – “This beer has been brewed with Irish lager malt and a generous helping of oats and wheat for a soft, fluffy base. The hops are the star of the show here, though, with plenty of tropical, citrus, and pine notes coming From the Idaho7 and Mosaic, with a little bit of dank from the Strata.”