An evening spent with the McGargles Family

 With a Brewery that can be traced back to 1595, This is the story of the dysfunctional first family of Irish Brewing, the McGargles

McGargles Fancy Frank Lager

 

A clean, full flavoured and somewhat fruity lager. With a slightly floral aroma, the initial taste of a clean, crisp lagers follows with a hoppy, Slightly smoky after taste from the Saaz hops that have been late hopped in the brew house

 

Surprisingly (for me anyway) Uncarbonated on initial pour, not much, if any head. Reasonable Lager smell. Have to admit I was quite Looking forward to sampling these four bottles, this one didn’t impress much to be honest.

I found it had nothing to set it apart from Any other lager in the same category, and personally I didn’t like it as much as some of the big brewery labels from the states

 

It doesnt really offend, but it doesn’t impress either. Its drinkable but that is about it

McGargles Granny Mary’s Red

 

As fiery and strong as her malt-driven red ale. A balanced irish Red that’s winning over customers. Brewed with earthy fuggles Hops and a Combination Vienna and Cara Munich Malt. It has a deep colour and rich aromatic flavour

 

Well, It is definetley Red. I have never tried Red Ale before this so didn’t know what to expect. I was hoping for a lot after the disappointment that the Lager brought. There wasn’t much on the nose, but it delivered on my palate. I enjoyed this, but find it hard to pinpoint what it was I tasted.

 

McGargles Uncle Jim’s Stout

 

A smooth, well rounded stout. The aroma gives off a subtle coffee and chocolate nose which balance perfectly. The flavour of chocolate carries into the taste and balances impeccably with the bitterness from the Herkules Hops

 

Woo Hoo… Serious stuff, dark with a creamy full head. The head may leave before the party starts but the rich depth on the nose sticks around. I am not a stout expert but found this starts with a slight carbonated Guinness tatse. That might be suprising, but I did enjoy that. It does however settle down into its own taste. It is lighter than Guinness.

I find this to be refreshingly light for a stout and its my favourite of the McGargle family

Knock Knock Ned’s IPA

 

An IPA with a perfect balance of sweetness and bitter hops. With initial tones of citrus like fruit followed with a caramelised pallet this IPA is considered strong and hoppy. Ned’s IPA is however balanced with three types of speciality malts. Rich hops, Cascade, Targer and Hallertau give this IPA a distinct And unique flavour

 

Starts off with a strong crimson colouring, it is much better than the lager with a deep rich flavour. Well brewed with a greatly satisfying aftertaste.

 

So Stout wins, with IPA a close second… Every family has a black sheep and for this one that’s the Lager… I asked the guys at McGargles which order I should drink the sampler pack in. Lager.. Red… IPA then Stout was the official advice.. To be honest We may have mixed that up in our excitement

 

They did tell me that their new American IPA would soon be slotting in to the Sampler pack… Not sure who is losing their place, I have a suggestion though

 

Also available – Gravy Maevey’s Pilsner

                          Cousin Rosie’s Pale Al