Northern Irish wheat beer successful at international brewing event
Fulcrum, a new wheat beer launched last year by Clearsky Brewing in Northern Ireland, proved successful with judges in the 2nd annual Alltech International Craft Brews and Food Fair in Dublin, Ireland's largest craft beer festival.
The recent startup brewery, which is based in Dungannon, county Tyrone, gained a silver medal at the event, the most successful product from Northern Ireland at the prestigious event. In addition to the silver for Clearsky, two other Northern Irish companies, Armagh Cider from county Armagh, and Hilden Brewery from Lisburn in county Antrim, both gained bronze medals. Last year Hilden won the Dublin Cup, the top award at the international fair.
They were among 47 breweries showing almost 200 beers, ales, stouts and ciders at the event in Dublin.
Clearsky's first branded beer, the now award winning Fulcrum, a premium product, was launched at the end of October and is already available in bars and through off-sales across Northern Ireland. The bottle-conditioned beer has 5%ABV and is being retailed in 500 ml bottles.
Northern Ireland's first wheat beer, Fulcrum is the brainchild of Stephen McKenna, who has extensive management and marketing experience over 20 years in the industry with Diageo, and is based at Dungannon.
Mr McKenna, commenting on the success, says: "This is immensely important recognition of the quality of the beer in just a few months following its launch. It's a great endorsement which will be of tremendous benefit as we seek to develop sales in the Republic. The beer has really only been on sale in bars and off sales since December and winning the medal is very exciting and extremely encouraging."
McKenna left the corporate sector to realise a dream of creating a contemporary beer using traditional craft techniques and his own recipe. He aims to export the beer to the Republic of Ireland, Great Britain and the US and has linked up with Drinks Inc, a leading Northern Irish distributor of beers, ales and other beverages which has an established network of customers in the Republic.
The new beer is brewed from wheat, malted barley and hops. McKenna's plan is to develop a portfolio of craft beers for export.
The show saw a record number of visitors tasting some of the finest craft beers from around the world. Visitors included brewers, publicans and beer enthusiasts covering all aspects of brewing from flavours and yeast selection, to pairing the final product.
Dr. Pearse Lyons, founder and president of Alltech said: "We will return in 2015 as it is clear from the huge crowds that gathered here over the last few days that there is excitement brewing in the industry and a rising tide will raise all boats. We expect great things in the future and we are delighted with the range, quality and styles of craft beer exhibiting alongside us this year.
"The fair is designed to gather brewers from all levels across the world, in Dublin, to master their craft and network with each other."