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Sunburnt Irish Red Ale – Living up to Ireland’s Connection with Red!
Type: Red Ale
In the remote surfing town of Bundoran in Co. Donegal, I walked into this pub right on the surf and asked the bartender for his recommended brew! He said it was perhaps a little too cold a day for beer, but if I must, he’d recommend little above the Sunburnt Irish Red Ale – by the time I was through my 4th pint within the hour, I was heartily slapping the guy on the back, agreeing whole-heartedly with him 😛
Sunburnt Irish Ale – A Monstrous Yummy Treat!
Brewed by the Eight Degrees Brewing Company, the Sunburnt Irish Red Ale is rather unique. Pours a mahogany brown color (no, not really red) with a creamy, thick head that slowly fades to a thin layer. Very light carbonation with a mysterious wispy lacing, possibly attributable to its New Zealandish/Australian hops?
The aroma is a mixture of strong caramel maltiness and something raisiny with hints of nuttiness and toasted bread! The opening notes are a lot of caramel maltiness once again, and in line with its scent, ranges from light sweet nuttiness and a faint hint of nutmeg & cinnamon with an aftertaste of biscuitiness and some fig-based notes!
The medium bodied brew is nice & smooth on the palate – one you could never possibly get enough of! Once again, not very easily available in many parts of Ireland, but was found in Co. Donegal & Co. Cork 🙂
Discovered At: Maddens Bridge Bar & Restaurant, Bundoran, Co. Donegal
Overall Rating: 4.75/5
I’ll have to pass this to my boyfriend… I don’t personally drink but he loves beer!
Great post! Loved trying all the different beer while in Ireland. Although I preferred the ciders I was also a fan of harp- especially when they mixed it with ‘lemonade’.
Hannah, it was part of my daily routine in Ireland – everytime I entered a pub, I’d interrogate the bartender for his favorite choice of local brew! Worked like a charm most times. Never tried the lemonade trick with Harps – maybe next time (sure sounds very intriguing)
MMMM BEER that is awesome that you found a really good beer. I like trying different things here in canada
Thanks for sharing! My husband and I really want to go to Ireland within the next few years. It looks like such a beautiful country- and the beer certainly can’t hurt!
Samantha,
you really must – you’ll hardly believe how beautiful the land is and how warm the people are through somebody else’s words 🙂
Not a beer drinker but got a few friends who love the whole beer experience.
Nolie,
That’s a shame, really – but there’s beverages of all kinds in Ireland. Do you prefer ciders? Do share this with your beer guzzling friends 😉
I’m not a drinker but I’m sure there will be plenty that will love this! I’ll have to pass it on.
I don’t drink . . . can’t even stand to smell beer . . . but I love Ireland and the Irish. Does that count? 🙂 I have not been to Ireland but it is on my “bucket list.” I made it over to Scotland once and found that it is one of the most beautiful places on the planet. I’m sure Ireland is breathtaking as well. I can’t wait for my chance to see it.
Oh it’s interesting you mention that Tina, because I was in Scotland immediately before I traveled to Ireland and I found both cultures to be quite similar – connoisseurs of good beer, whiskey & wine, great patrons of literature and music and generously warm people as a rule! You should drop by – Ireland will hardly disappoint 🙂
I can’t stand beer, but I know my brother would love this post. He enjoys trying out different kinds of beer.
– HilLesha O’Nan
Be sure to pass it on – I’m sure he’ll find a favorite somewhere therein 🙂
I will have to share with my father-in-law who loves trying all different kinds of beers.
I am not a beer drinker but I have some friends that are. They are planning a trip to Dublin so I will share this with them.
Catherine, if they are going to be in Dublin tell them not to miss out on the Temple Bar area – that block has some of the best traditional and contemporary pubs in the city. Porterhouse and Temple Bar itself to name a couple 🙂
I’d like to try these, but I’m sadly not that big into beer. I’m more of a wine person personally.
You know, I’ve never had an Irish beer before, but these sound really good. I’ll have to give one a try.
I’ve never been into beer, but I’m going to give these a shot. I’m of Irish descent, so maybe these will tickle my pallet.
Goodmorning Irishman Ben! Happy to make your acquaintance – I’m quite sure it’d do more than just tickle your pallet sir 🙂
All of these sound so good. .I love a good beer, and I’ve never had an Irish brew before.
They All Sound Delicious Love All The Different Flavors Thank You For Sharing!!
I’m not really a beer drinker, but one day I plan to try an Irish brew with my corned beef & cabbage on St. Patty’s Day.
I have never been to Ireland but would love to go some day just to try the beers. I have heard they have the best beers. They sound amazing. Thanks for sharing.
Not a beer drinker persay…BUT my hubby goes nuts over beer battered bread. Maybe we will have to try it with a taste of Ireland next time 🙂
Irish beer is too grassy for me. I like the good taste of a proper blonde!
I have never been to Ireland, only to England next door and as able to taste a few Irish beers. I think I would like Tom Crean’s fresh Irish lager. I generally don’t prefer to have beer that is too bitter.
I went to Ireland a number of years ago and loved it! The food and the beer are so good. I have never had Guinness but I have sampled some of the other stuff.
I’m not a beer drinker. A trip to Ireland would be fun though.
I hate all beers and ales.. I’ll drink anything else though alcohol wise.. I like the stronger stuff, not the weak stuff, never have liked the taste of beer.
I have never been to Ireland, but if I ever get the chance to — this post will definitely come in handy.
I don’t drink, but I definitely want to go to Ireland. So thanks for sharing. If I ever make there I will definitely keep the beers in mind for my beer-drinking-buddies!
I love beer but tend to stick with the locals – great post, thanks for sharing!
I will keep these in mind for when we head across. I am always unsure which beers I should try – I am not really Guinness fan and prefer a lighter beer so this is a great, handy guide to have. Thanks for sharing.