Saturday, December 31, 2011

White Gypsy Blond Belgian Ale

Back on Tap
This is the second keg of this wonderful beer, tapped 5.2.2012
As of 5.01.12 this beer is now tapped and it's a cracker, and a record holder of the strongest Irish Craft Beer on tap in Ireland 

Friday, December 30, 2011

Cask Beer for January

Coming up in January, we have the return of a couple of Beers that went very well the last time we had them on. From the Fuller's brewery we have Bengal Lancer and the much sought after London Porter. Following these we will have Old Speckled Hen, Dungarvan's Black Rock Stout & Copper Coast Red. There's also on ocean of beer due in the form of draught & bottle, and White Gypsy have promised me some of "the good stuff" in early January.


On tap & Cask at the moment;
Carrig Lager, Sierra Nevada Celebration, Einbecker Export Strenght Lager, Cask Metalman Pale Ale

Wednesday, December 28, 2011

Carrig Lager

I've had this on rotation for a while now, but forgot to blog about it.  So here it is.
I'm reminded of my first gulp of Belfast Lager, full, rich, malty and with a fantastic "tastes like more" finish. That is to say that the hops combined with the soft semi sweet flavours really leave the palate wanting. A lot of others Craft Beer drinkers must have the same thought, as Carrig Lager has sold quite well recently. It will continue to go through the Rotation taps, but I personally look forward to enjoying the beer during our summer period.....

Thursday, December 22, 2011

Yule ól from White Gypsy

The label says
"Yule Ol is a beer brewed with the Christmas dinner in mind. Full of berry flavours with a hint of toffee and coffee, and the lovely warming of the strong alcohol 6%abv"
2 cases delivered.

Friday, December 16, 2011

Dungarvan Coffee & Oatmeal Stout

I'm a fan of good Coffee and good Beer. But to have both in the same glass, happy days. This seasonal release from Dungarvan Brewing offers the perfect balance of fresh espresso flavours with a smooth mouthfeel imparted by the oats. Don't forget that underneath there's a seriously good stout. 
While stocks last. Yeah, right.

Friday, December 9, 2011

Creans Lager

Now on Rotation tap 3
Cara Malt has been used in this beer, so expect to see a lack of "yellow".
The first sip shows malt and crispness with a soft finish for that "tastes like more feeling"
Great to see another Irish Craft Beer born


Wednesday, December 7, 2011

Our Official Xmas Beer of 2011

Once the staff tried this beer, it was love. 
Well done to 8 Degrees Brewing for creating such agreat beer.

Monday, December 5, 2011

Cask and Keg Specials

On rotation tap we have 
Sierra Nevada Tumbler
Sunburnt Irish Red
Pawel Kwak
Unertl Weiss

On Cask
The brilliant Helvic Gold Blonde "This is a refreshing blonde ale generously hopped to give bitterness and aroma that packs a punch!"

"A world away from your typical tasteless lager, this is a really interesting thirst-quenching beer with an astringent very dry finish, very distinctive hoppy fruits and good length. Delicious." - John Wilson, Irish Times Magazine 10th July 2010

Tom Crean’s Premium Lager will hit the taps later this week, hopefully followed by Schneider Aventinus


We also have some new bottles this week from Belgium and Germany, plus a few cases of Brewdog's Trashy Blonde.


The Franciscan Well is releasing an old favourite this month, Bellringer.  This beer was part of their regular line up before being discontinued some time ago. This will be available in 1tr bottles, for Off Sales only. Here is where you can reserve yours. 24 is all I will have.

Saturday, December 3, 2011

New Beer's

New Beers

Doppel Hirsch Germany 500ml  7.2% abv
Full bodied and mellow strong lager style beer with a light Hop bitterness.
Foods:Ideal with Half Roast Chicken and BBQ Ribs

Hirsch Weihnachts- Bier 500ml  5.2% abv
An amber beer, crisp and clean tasting with grassy notes and light malt flavours
Foods:Ideal with Half Roast Chicken, Beef Burger

La Trappe Brewery France
Blond 6.5% abv
A clear, sparkling Trappist beer with a high fermentation level. Fresh and fruity taste with a soft bitter aftertaste. The various types of hops add an aromatic smell.

Dubbel 7.0% abv
An authentic Trappist beer with a deep red-brown colour. Through the use of a.o. caramel malt, it has a soft aromatic, caramel-like character. A little bit sweet in taste with a fresh aftertaste.

Tripel 8.0% abv
A special and powerful Trappist. Including the use of coriander owes it its spicy character. Golden in color with a fruity, bittersweet taste.

Quadrupel 10% abv
A unique Trappist beer that is even put to rest sorted by year in the cellars of the abbey for further fermentation. The strongest beer of La Trappe with a beautiful amber colour. The warm taste is full and well-balanced.

Brouwerij Het Anker Belgium
Gouden Carolus Classic 8.5% abv
This dark beer combined with aromatic malts and high fermentation process produces the warm roundness of wine with the light freshness of beer.

Gouden Carolus Tripel 9.0% abv
Up to this very day it is still brewed according to ancient tradition.Golden Carolus Tripel has a unique colour and a rich taste thanks to its well-balanced hopping.

Gouden Carolus Ambrio 8.0% abv
The balance between the different malts, the fine hops and the typical taste of herbs creates a perfect harmony between the powerful taste of brown beers and the light freshness of blonde beers.

Gouden Carolus Hopsinjoor 8.0% abv
Hopsinjoor” derived from the use of 5 different kinds of hops. These hops are fractioned at a different time during the cooking process in order to conserve a maximum of aroma. The Ale has a gentle taste with a slightly bitter after taste.

Wednesday, November 30, 2011

WELTENBURGER BAROCK DUNKEL



This weeks Beer Special comes from The Oldest Abbey Brewery in the world.

During the last millennium until today the monastic beer production in Weltenburg has been
interrupted only by secularization from 1803 to 1846. In 1846 the brewery became monastic
property again and has stayed so ever since. Therefore Weltenburg Abbey Brewery can be rightly
referred to as the oldest Abbey Brewery in the world.

Monday, November 28, 2011

Sunday, November 27, 2011

Mon - Wed Specials

Don't forget our start of the week specials, something for everyone
For drinks specials for the rest of the week click here

Sunday, November 20, 2011

Cask Beer; Hobgoblin

 Hobgoblin makes a return, albeit not intentionally. We were supposed to recieve Fullers London Porter, but the distribution end went haywire. Anyway nowt wrong with this Ruby Beer so all's good.

Daily Drinks Promotions

The First 2 groups to Reserve for any sports event will recieve complimentary Platters. 
Min 4 persons , Max 20 persons

Tuesday
Arsenal v Man City 8.00pm Carling Cup

Wednesday
Man Utd v Crystal Palace 7.45pm Carling Cup

Saturday
Chelsea v Newcastle 12.45 Premier League

Sunday


limited reservations available for games
platter food and bar menus all day
click here to see drinks promotions for each day
01 475 1122
info@bullandcastle.ie




Saturday, November 19, 2011

Sunday Sports 20th November

Heineken Cup Rugby Leinster V Glasgow 12.45
Premier League          Chelsea V Liverpool 3.30


All on Big Screen - Food Available all day
Sausage & Bacon Bap with homecut chips €7 (12.30 - 3pm)

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

Heineken Rugby

Big Screen Games in the Beerhall 2011




















November 2011







Fri 4 Nov20:00
  Leinster Rugby24 - 19Munster RugbyAVIVA Stadium

Sat 12 Nov14:30
  Montpellier16 - 16Leinster RugbyStade de la Mosson

Sun 20 Nov12:45
  Leinster Rugby  v  Glasgow WarriorsRoyal Dublin Society

Sat 26 Nov15:00
  Benetton Treviso  v  Leinster RugbyStadio di Monigo

December 2011
Fri 2 Dec20:05
  Leinster Rugby  v  Cardiff BluesRoyal Dublin Society

Sun 11 Dec12:45
  Bath Rugby  v  Leinster RugbyRecreation Ground

Sat 17 Dec18:00
  Leinster Rugby  v  Bath RugbyAVIVA Stadium

Mon 26 Dec17:30
  Leinster Rugby  v  Ulster RugbyRoyal Dublin Society














































This weeks Bottle Cask & Draught specials

Draught; Einbecker Export Lager, Friar Weiss form Franciscan Well, Howling Gale Ale from 8 Degrees
Cask; Bengal Lancer IPA from Fullers Brewery

Later on Cask Metalman Pale Ale, Fullers London Porter, O'Hara's Smoked Ale, Barrelhead
Later on Draught Carrig Lager, Sierra Nevada Tumbler, Butburger

Saturday, October 29, 2011

The Dog's B****x

The title is not helped by the logo I know, but it is a real beer. A seasonal form the Wychwood Brewery Oxfordshire.

"Standing out from the crowd, an old favourite returns that always lives up to its name.

Pale golden, well rounded flavours warm the palate & come together with a hint of nuts, resulting in a robust fulsome aroma that hangs low 'til the last.

A great excuse to go & see a man about a dog."

If anyone asks me how it tastes, I know what I'll be saying

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

Beer & Cheese Weekend

Runs from Friday evening to Monday evening, with 4 beer and cheese pairings.

1 - Buckleys Golden Ale & Gubeen Soft Cheese
2 - Castle Red Irish Ale & Cooleney Soft Cheese
3 - O'Hara's Irish Stout & Hegarty's Cheddar
4 - Dark Arts Porter & Cashel Blue

Costing €7

Groupon Deal

T&C's
Minimum of 4 persons required to validate voucher
Groups of less than 6 may be required to share large tables
Available in Beerhall only, not for Restaurant use
All persons in group must be over 18 yrs of age
Limited tables available each day
Beerhall open 7 days


Monday, October 24, 2011

Beer Specials

Cask     Comeragh Challenger from Dungarvan Brewery 3.7% abv
Keg     Schlenkerla Helles, Howling Gale Ale, O'Hara's IPA& Unertl Weisbier
Bottle     Rothaus Tannenzapfle German Pils, Köstritzer Schwarzbier Dark Lager

Next week will see the delivery of the hard to find Fullers Porter  and Bengal Lancer on Cask. Sierra Nevada Tumbler seasonal hoppy dark ale makes a return. Leann Follain hits the Cask pump at some stage followed closely by O'Hara's IPA. With a bit of luck, November should also get to welcome 8 Degrees Knockmealdown Porter, in bottle and draught, to the party.

Monday, October 17, 2011

Tannenzäpfle €4

KindLager
Alcohol Strength5,1 % Vol.
Colourblond
TasteCrisp and clean
Rothaus Tannenzäpfle
"Tannenzäpfle" (which means "small fir cone") is a tangy lager with a fine hop-aroma and well balanced taste produced by the Badische Staatsbrauerei Rothaus. Black Forest spring water from an altitude of 1000 metres is used for production and gives the beer its distinctive freshness. Tannenzäpfle is the brewery's most successful product.
Since 1956 the brewery has printed a blond girl in a traditional Black Forest costume on their labels. Rothaus fans gave her the name "Birgit Kraft" because it is an allusion to the Alemannic version of the phrase "Bier gibt Kraft" ("Bier giet Kraft" – "Beer gives you strength")

Saturday, October 15, 2011

Barrelhead Pale Ale Cask

A cask of this wonderful Pale Ale from the Franciscan Well Brewery Co. Cork will be tapped up this morning. A bit on the hard to find side of things, so I don't expect it to last too long. 
TBM

Friday, October 7, 2011

Fullers Beers on Cask

update Monday 10th Oct ; Fullers LP  now on cask

I found a nice surprise this morning , a cask each of Fullers ESB and Fullers London Pride and a keg of Fullers Honey Dew. Another Keg of Rogue Dead Guy Ale has made it's way to us and will be tapped right away. So nice beers for all this weekend.

Happy Friday

Saturday, October 1, 2011

Irish Craft Brewing Short Guide

Education has always been our focus when to comes to driving customers towards Irish Craft Beer. The more you know about a product, the easier to understand it. And so comes our short guide to the Irish Craft Beer scene here in Ireland. From a bio of all current Irish Micro Breweries, to two pour stout and an explanation's of most beer styles and types, it's an easy yet informative read. 
Produced by myself & John Duffy( a huge input from John actually) aka "The Beer Nut".


Available at the Bull & Castle or by post with card payments.
Contact Geoff or Dave, all information is confidential.

Tuesday, September 27, 2011

This weeks Cask Beer Offerings

A few casks form the O'Hara's camp are making their way here this week, O'Hara's IPA & Curim and if we're lucky, some Leann Follain.

Fullers ESB & London Pride are being shipped in towards the end of the month, so something else to look forward to.

TBM

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

Octoberfest

Music, German Nibbles and a selection of Bottle & Draught beers will be available from 30th September through to 9th October.
I'll post the beerlist once I have confirmation on what will be available. TBM.
Limited table reservations on weekends 01 475 1122

Rogue Beers Coming Soon

Should have one of these tapped up by the weekend, that's if you have anything left to give after the Irish Craft Beerfest in the RDS

Saturday, August 27, 2011

RDS Beerfest Tickets

Now on sale at The Bar Counter

€10 for One Day Ticket 
€15 for Three Day Ticket

Buy 5 and Get One Free !
The Bull & Castle is only a ticket retailer
for all info see festival website

Friday, August 19, 2011

Beer Vouchers

For any going to the Lughnasa Beer Festival tonight, look out at the Irish Beer producer for these vouchers valid tonight, 19th August.

Monday, August 15, 2011

Trouble Comes in Bottles

Trouble ór Golden Ale now in Bottles. A small batch was bottled, so it may not last too long. On sale for take away €3


Sunday, July 31, 2011

Redbreast 15yr Old

Red Breast 15 yr old
Pure Pot Still 46% abv
Non chilled-filtered
€9 per 35.5ml measure

Pure Pot Still Whiskey is unique to Ireland, thanks to a tax placed on Malted Barley while under British rule. Because Irish Whiskey was so popular the world over, there were huge amounts being distilled and matured up and down the country in all of the hundreds of Irish Distilleries. Queen Victoria put a hefty Tax on Malted Barley which forced Distillers to use a portion of unmalted grain to save on tax. This was the birth of Pure Pot Still Whiskey.

Red Breast 15 yr old was released a couple of years ago with a price tag of over €120 per bottle, quite close to a similar price for Midleton Very Rare. But  Red Breast 15 yr old was actually rare, produced with new-found stock of whiskey, which was limited and giving Red Breast 15 yr old the air of rarity and collectability. With the reduced price due to the rumour of  a new batch, Red Breast 15 yr old can now be had for a lot less than before.Being unchill-filtered and at 46% abv also adds to its uniqueness Drink straight and enjoy.


Tasting Notes by Michael Jackson

Nose:  Clean, fresh. Hint of linseed. Nuts. Cake.

Palate:  By far the biggest of this selection. Assertive and complex, with lots of development and seemingly infinite dimension. Ginger cake, brazil nuts, treacle.

Finish:  Liquorice-like sherry notes.

Comment:  Delicious, soothing, contemplative. A great whiskey. Makes me want to get on a plane to Dublin immediately.

Score: 9 / 10

Friday, July 29, 2011

Whitewater Copperhead

It's been a while since I last had Whitewater Brewery Copperhead, and that was on cask in Belfast somewhere. I do remember a big hop hit, and some light fruits. At 3.7% abv, you wouldn't expect too much, but surprise surprise, it has flavours so big and round that you'll miss the low alcohol content.
Looks like I'll have to open one and refresh my memory.

Friday, July 22, 2011

Sunburnt Irish Red

Like an Irishman on holiday in the Canarys, this beer has a red tint but with a chilled out mellow feel. A traditional Irish style with a twist. It has subtle caramel notes balanced with a hoppy aroma. Goes really well with roast beef, lamb or a traditional Irish stew, but beware: keep out of direct sunlight.
I think Cam& Scott (both anitpodeans) are taking the Míchael with the name, given our climate and all that. But the Jokes is on them, they live here now :)

Friday, July 15, 2011

All Ireland Craft Beerfest

Just out of pure lazyness on my part, I am offerong a link as opposed to typing a long spiel about this years First All Ireland Beerfest, which will run from the 23rd to 26th September at the RDS.Tickets will be on sale through ourselves soon. email us for more info

CLICK HERE


Tuesday, July 12, 2011

Black Rock Stout


Dungarvan's Black Rock Stout makes a welcome return on cask today. 2 myths that need to be dealt with regarding stout

1 - you should not drink stout outside winter months. Wrong of course, there's nothing like a stout on a hot day to quench your thirst

2 - Nitro stout is the only stout. Again wrong, this time very wrong. Nitrogen is insoluble gas, meaning it has body and flavour when used in beer. Essentially it masks the flavours of the beer, meaning you miss all the good stuff.

Monday, July 4, 2011

Messrs Beer en Route

UPDATE;  17th july Messrs Bown Ale now on
UPDATE;  6th july   Messrs Pale Ale just tapped
UPDATE;  6th july   Messrs Cask Mixed Berry Weiss just tapped
 
Hope fully later today we will recieve our first ever delivery of Messrs beer, to include Bock, Lager and Red Ale as wellas a Cask of Mixed Berry Weiss. Stay tuned for further info

Saturday, July 2, 2011

Win a Jeroboam of Duvel

With every bottle of Duvel purchased you can enter into a draw for 3 of these bottles.
offer also applies to off sales
closing date 14th July 2011

Friday, July 1, 2011

Saturday, June 25, 2011

Wednesday, June 22, 2011

Bottled Hooker


So it's been confirmed that we will receive delivery of bottles this week. Here's the infamous bottle. 500ml bottles are the way forward and these will make a welcome addition to our shelves.
Well done Ronan and Aidan

Tuesday, June 21, 2011

Frúli Fruit Beer

Coming Soon On Tap

Fruli is a fruit beer produced near Ghent, Belgium, by Huyghe. It is a blend of white beer and strawberry juice.4.1% abv

Chef de Partie Required



Chef de Partie required to work with professional team.

Monday, June 20, 2011

Croaking Lizard Brown Ale 5%

We should have this on by this evening, and as it's not on yet I can't tell you anything about it. So stay tuned for updates

Thursday, June 16, 2011

Cask Hobgoblin

Updated 18th June 9pm 

Now on, and it's Gooooooood

 

We have just been told that some of this wonderful Dark Ruby Ale will be with us in the next few days. Watch this space.

Hobgoblin 4.8% abv

The Unofficial Beer of Halloween.

Traditionally brewed to produce a wonderfully well balanced blend of smooth, rich & satisfying flavours from chocolate & crystal malts combined with a crisp, refreshing bitterness from Styrian, Goldings and Fuggles hops.


Saturday, June 11, 2011

Bigfoot Barley Wine 9.6% Abv

What would you do if you saw a sign that read "Glass of beer €4.50" ?
Would you

a) ask to speak to the management
b) realise that those Specsavers adverts might be making sense
c) join the queue

The correct answer of course, is "c"
This beer is ridiculously hard to come by, and to have it on draught is all the more special.


Sierra Nevada Bigfoot Barleywine Style Ale

see above link for all the fun facts and tasting notes








Friday, June 10, 2011

Druids Brew Irish Stout

4.5% Abv
As rare as hens teeth is this stuff. The first Cask of this sold in Ireland for quite a long time (by ourselves) lasted less than 3 hours, such is the quality and lack of availability.

(there are no pictures because none exist, or do they)

Monday, June 6, 2011

8 Degrees Howling Gale Ale

A very apt name for an Irish beer. Cam (the brewer) will be delivering some during the week, so watch this space for more info.

 
Like blitzing down the Ballyhouras on your bike with an icy wind in your face, it delivers a refreshing crisp smack around the gills. It pours a pale golden colour and the malty sweetness is well balanced by the chinook and centennial hops. Goes well with fish, chicken or anything off the barbeque. ABV 5.0%


Sunday, June 5, 2011

Fruh Kolsch


On from Monday 6th June, hopefully to coincide with the return of double digit teperatures.

Followed by this bad boy
As this is 9.7% Abv, you will need to
- produce a certificate of sanity
 - sign a waver relieving us of responsibity for you
- obtain a small mortgage