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"Hoppy":3gvmdocb wrote: By the way, I haven't changed the recipe but your comments are interesting to me as I recently received a batch of cascade that looked, smelled and ultimately, it would appear, was different. We'll chat at the brewery!![/quote:3gvmdocb]

It seems that with bad hop crops supply is limited and alternatives supplies have been found. This is from Northern Brewers website:

"As you may know, hops are extremely scarce this year. Despite the scarcity, we are holding back nothing, putting our entire inventory of hops for sale on-line. We're pricing the hops based upon supply and demand. Because we have a very limited supply, prices on most varieties are very high (at least triple last year's prices).

Fortunately, we have recently found two quality hops that are somewhat plentiful. The first variety is a Cascade grown in Argentina. Surprisingly, it does *not* resemble the grapefruity Cascade grown here in the United States. It is spicy and peppery,
and we are offering it for $2.99/ounce."

Well, all I can comment on is that the brewery visit part of the day out, went exceedingly well. This was my first ever time tasting Galway Hooker as it is not available in pubs around County Roscommon. Tha keg version was very nice if slightly overcarbonated for my taste (NOTE : only slightly) and the cask version was noticeably different, both undercarbonated and light on body although Aidan did say that this is still very much in development. I do note this did not stop anyone from drinking it and a few said they preferred the cask version to the keg. I am sure that a much more in depth report will be available later complete with pictures. I will have to do some more sampling of the cask version to make up my mind about it and as I have been given the onerous job of disposing of the remainder of the cask this may take some time <!-- s:D --><img src="{SMILIES_PATH}/icon_biggrin.gif" alt="" title="Very Happy" /><!-- s:D --> <!-- s:D --><img src="{SMILIES_PATH}/icon_biggrin.gif" alt="" title="Very Happy" /><!-- s:D -->

[quote:2i1v53vk]as I have been given the onerous job of disposing of the remainder of the cask this may take some time
[/quote:2i1v53vk]It's a dirty job...

I'm sure most of those who attended yesterday are still in sleepyland so it may be some time before the next update <!-- s;) --><img src="{SMILIES_PATH}/icon_wink.gif" alt="" title="Wink" /><!-- s;) -->

The day (and night) out was hugely enjoyable, many thanks to Aidan & Ronan for the beer, food and all round hospitality. Wouldn't it be great if brewery tours were like this all the time? <!-- s:D --><img src="{SMILIES_PATH}/icon_biggrin.gif" alt="" title="Very Happy" /><!-- s:D -->

Yes indeed, thanks a million to the Hooker guys. Great to meet more ICBers too.

I'm also really glad I know about Sheridan's now: what a lovely pub.

My photos of the tour are online here[/url:2oewkys7], including this one of St Aidan Preaching To The Converted:
[img:2oewkys7]http://i242.photobucket.com/albums/ff91/IrishCraftBrewer/Hooker%20Visit%20Feb%202008/IMGP1404.jpg[/img:2oewkys7]

Well I'd definitely do that again, no problems <!-- s:D --><img src="{SMILIES_PATH}/icon_biggrin.gif" alt="" title="Very Happy" /><!-- s:D -->

Absolutely brilliant day/evening/night/weekend/whatever - very glad I took my courage in my hands and ventured West with a load of blokes I hardly know <!-- s;) --><img src="{SMILIES_PATH}/icon_wink.gif" alt="" title="Wink" /><!-- s;) -->

Aidan and Ronan - I know you probably still won't believe us, but honestly I think I can speak for everyone here when I say no really, the pleasure and honour was all ours. Thank you very much for ye're great welcome and incredible hospitality <!-- s:) --><img src="{SMILIES_PATH}/icon_smile.gif" alt="" title="Smile" /><!-- s:) -->

&amp;quot;microgirl&amp;quot;:10hfn67c wrote: Well I'd definitely do that again, no problems <!-- s:D --><img src="{SMILIES_PATH}/icon_biggrin.gif" alt="" title="Very Happy" /><!-- s:D -->

Absolutely brilliant day/evening/night/weekend/whatever - very glad I took my courage in my hands and ventured West with a load of blokes I hardly know <!-- s;) --><img src="{SMILIES_PATH}/icon_wink.gif" alt="" title="Wink" /><!-- s;) -->

Aidan and Ronan - I know you probably still won't believe us, but honestly I think I can speak for everyone here when I say no really, the pleasure and honour was all ours. Thank you very much for ye're great welcome and incredible hospitality <!-- s:) --><img src="{SMILIES_PATH}/icon_smile.gif" alt="" title="Smile" /><!-- s:) -->[/quote:10hfn67c]

I couldn't have said it better myself, so I won't even try.
Well done lads, and thanks for a great day.