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Well, we don't know what they were making, but there's a fair old chance it was something just as boring as what Guinness were doing.

"brewer":2uupd4ff wrote: In Ireland I helped Cuilan Loughnane set up his brewery in Templemore and did some special project work in Kilkenny at the Smithwicks brewery. Before that I set up a brewpub in Singapore (The Pump Room) and have worked at Bridgeport and Pyramid breweries in the US.

I have a question for the group:

What do you think of the Porterhouse bottling there beer? And on that note what american craft brews would you rate?[/quote:2uupd4ff]

Welcome to the site - I remember Cualan mentioning a few guys who assisted him on setting up his brewery and he mentioned about a guy from Oregon so I imagine that definitely was you!!! Welcome again.

I'm more optimistic about Irish craft brewing now than I've ever been. When traditional pubs like The Palace and O'Neills are stocking Irish craft beer this is a sign that they are edging into the mainstream. The fact that a few new breweries are starting up at the moment is also a very positive sign. Craft Brews will never compete toe to toe with the multinationals in this country but even a fractional percentage of the market can make for a vibrant sector and a lot of choice for discerning drinkers. The craft brewing market share in the US is approx. 4% and look how healthy the scene is over there. If we could replicate half of this it would be a major success.

Thank you for the warm welcome to the site! It is good to see the enthusiasm for new breweries and quality beers. I hope that this is a good time to be optimistic about craft brewing in Ireland.

Bigears and others are correct that it is not a black and white debate (I am happy that there is the debate).

My experience with the microbrewery revolution in the US and the other places in the world is that the "craft" versus "yellow fizzy" is not the real issue.
The real problem is growing the market place and generating interest in beer. Positive efforts in developing support for new companies and products is more effective, than attacking existing products. There is a place for the Imbev and Diageo's of this world. I think there is also a place for the small brewers in this world. What is most effective is generating excitement and commercial support for the new small breweries in Ireland. It is better to build friends through positive attitudes and support. If you stay positive people will join the revolution. If you just put down someone for drinking the wrong beer they will never hear your message. I am happy to find a community where people do care about beer. The fact that this talk is happening is great for Irish beer. Being friday I am going to go out and drink a few pints of good Irish beer. See you in the pub!

Welcome to the site, Brewer. I have been away for a few days. Anyway this guy from Portland used to work with me until a few months back, and we shared many a bottle of Bridgeport brews and also quite a few from Deschutes. I can't remember having one that I didn't enjoy, Bridgeport India Pale ale was especially nice.

Hello Dr John. I worked at Bridgeport on the bottling line and in the Lab. Mirror Pond is also a great beer from Deshutes. If you can find any of Deshutes or Bridgeport IPA in Ireland let me know. Maybe we should get a LCL pallet of beer sent over from the US!

Is the guy from Portland still in Ireland?