TOPIC:

Read a thread recently that suggested bringing some local craft beer away when travelling to gift to bartenders, homebrewers, etc. in your destination city.

Spreads the word about good hometown brews and might also get you some freebies or buybacks (though that shouldn't be your goal.)

I'm away next week, and I like this idea, so the question is:
[list:35bxlvnx]What beer in bottles best represents craft brewing in Ireland today?[/list:u:35bxlvnx]

Great idea.

Of Foam and Fury
Bru Rua

Would be two i'd bring anyway.

I travel to Japan once a year, and because gift-giving is part of the culture there, for hosts, teachers etc. I bring stuff over.

In the past I've tended to lean towards independent whiskey and poitin (Teeling, Cooley when it was Irish-owned etc.) but since they've started selling O'Hara's three packs at Dublin airport I've gone that route once or twice as well.

If I really had my pick I would probably choose something that is not just a good beer but is appealingly packaged as well. O'Hara's hits the former mark, but it's labelling is a bit 'blah' in my opinion.

Dungarvan could be a good shout. But if you're talking about hauling things around to give to bartenders then perhaps 330ml bottles would be a better bet ... 8 Degrees, Porterhouse etc?

"Rory":1yyh0zvv wrote: if you're talking about hauling things around to give to bartenders then perhaps 330ml bottles would be a better bet ... 8 Degrees, Porterhouse etc?[/quote:1yyh0zvv]Was just thinking that. Amber-Ella won't be ready on time, but Porterhouse Celebration, Devil's Half Acre and Brainblásta would all be worthy.

"TheBeerNut":22f56mzy wrote:

"Rory":22f56mzy wrote: if you're talking about hauling things around to give to bartenders then perhaps 330ml bottles would be a better bet ... 8 Degrees, Porterhouse etc?[/quote:22f56mzy]Was just thinking that. Amber-Ella won't be ready on time, but Porterhouse Celebration, Devil's Half Acre and Brainblásta would all be worthy.[/quote:22f56mzy]

Yup, my thoughts exactly. Encouraging when others come to the same conclusion independently! Thanks for the input.

On the other hand, aren't the Porterhouse beers available internationally?