Dublin Beer Views

I don't go to Superquinn that much any more. Many reasons, recession (yes I said it), not a fan of the store makeover in the last few years, its pretty dark and badly laid out, and there are three nearish to me that all feel the same. Oh and don't get me started on some of the developers who bought it out in the noughties... SRFC has a long memory lads. Anyway was in on Paddy's day, felt like treating ourselves to doughnuts Duvel - €3 Adnams Innovation, yes really on a supermarket shelf - €3 (something, look I forgot ok) 59c, actually, which is cracking value to my mind They also had other Adnams brews - Bitter (€2.99), which is very quaffable, Lighthouse too, which is not really for me

Now, I spent a silly amount in the Drinkstore that night 2 weeks ago (in prep for Paddys day) and I had brought along a bottle of homebrew for the lads.. so they presented me witha Brucie bonus on leaving... a bottle of Ola Dubh 16. I mentioned in a blog a few weeks ago how I love Old Engine Oil and Ola Dubh 12, but never had 16. Well I do now.... hmmm, I do have it, I just cant seem to drink it!!! Its on the "Special shelf". I must find a spare hour and have a treat

I love OEO, love it, its proper Stout. Dark and malty and sweet and bitter. yum. From the same brewery as Ola Dubh (see below blogs for school girl giddyness) its not aged in anything particularly special than time. Getting back to my intention to track price and value, Deveney's of Dundrum have it on Special at €1.99 a bottle (its 6% ABV) which is cracking value. Half my 4 are gone already. Great beer, great service, great offer oh and goldfish had only good things to say too!!!

So it was Paddy's day, traditional to get blathered etc etc and waffle some rubbish about some horse race in the UK (I just dont do horse racing) Anyway I wasn't doing that so I thought I'd try my samples of the Porterhouse's new bottled stouts (well it was March 17) I picked up bottles of Plain, Oyster and Wasslers in the Drinkstore (thanks lads) Now I enjoy a pint of Oyster if I am out in Town so I was delighted to hear of the new bottling plant The Porterhouse have constructed. I was a little disappointed to find that the beers were going out in 330ml bottles, but hey ho. As I do like an Oyster I couldn't resist and dived in... its smooth and yummy and has that slightly sweet tinge that the oysters add... next was Plain, my mistake was taking that after Oyster, I know its terrible but it tastes, well Plain. I just never opt for it on tap as Oyster is there.... its nicer out of a bottle than draught guiness ina widget can so I was happy enough. But then, wasslers.