We are charging head on into St. Patrick’s Day, scally cap and all, with some reviews and pairings of Irish styles! Starting with Dublin City Brewing Co.’s Irish Stout. A good alternative to the other black stuff brewed at St. James Gate. This one pours a little lighter. You can actually get a tiny bit of light through this dark ruby brew. It produces a light brown head and smells of smokey coffee and malt. I got more smokiness coming through with the first taste with more coffee, nutty malt and dark bread. There’s also a slight sweetness to it’s medium body. It’s tart and bitter on the finish with roasted barley. It’s easy drinking with a 4.2% ABV. I could probably crush a few of these while watching the Worcester St. Patrick’s Day Parade this Saturday. As long as I don’t get caught with tall cans down my pants.
The Sonic Pairing: The dark color and the smokiness of this stout reminded me of the album “Nightlife” by the Irish legend that is Thin Lizzy. Singer Phil Lynott is to Ireland what Bruce Springsteen is to the U.S.A. and there’s a statue of him in the center of Dublin to prove it. “Nightlife” is full of songs about what should have been said at closing time and late night characters with broken hearts and a head full of trouble. It’s one of their best in my humble opinion. Just ask any tipsy girl stumbling down Parnell St where to get a pint, “She Knows”. You might run into a “Frankie Carroll” or a “Philomena”. You should probably buy them a pint too. “It’s Only Money”
All beers featured in the Pike Sonic Beer Blog can be found at Wachusett Wine And Spirits in West Boylston and Worcester.
