Northern Ireland successes in Dublin Beer and Cider Cups

Four Northern Ireland artisan companies have won awards at the recent Alltech Craft Beer and Cider Awards in Dublin.

The greatest success for Northern Ireland companies came in the cider category with three companies winning medals - Long Meadow Cider, Loughgall, county Armagh won a bronze medal for its Oak Aged Cider, McIvors of Portadown, county Armagh gained two silvers for its Medium and Plum and Ginger and Tempted of Lisburn, county Antrim also won two medals, bronze for its Medium Dry and silver for its Elderflower.

In the Dublin Craft Beer Cup, Lacada Brewery of Portrush, county Antrim gained a bronze medal for its quirky Stranded Bunny beer.

The Dublin Craft Beer Cup is an international competition which allows craft brewers to showcase their brews to have them rated, tasted and analysed by an expert panel of judges.

Award-winning brewers received prestigious gold, silver and bronze medals in eight different categories of beer, establishing the best examples of each. Entrants to the Dublin Craft Beer Cup are critiqued based on appearance, aroma, flavour, body, style and quality.

Head judge Dr Gearóid Cahill, a Brewmaster with almost 20 years' experience, says: "The standard of craft brewing in Ireland and internationally is rising all the time. There is great interest among brewers in achieving independent expert recognition for their beers.

The Dublin Craft Cup and medals awarded to brewers are a fantastic accolade from independent, experienced beer judges and showcase the finest quality craft beers".

Due to the success of the cider competition last year, Alltech introduced The Dublin Craft Cider Cup in 2016 (replacing the Supreme Cider Certificate).

Dr Cahill adds: "Cider makers are demonstrating their craft in increasing numbers with a fantastic range of craft ciders now available. Alltech is delighted to announce the Dublin Craft Cider Cup and medal awards to recognise the finest quality ciders and provide independent accolades to cider makers, increasing awareness of their brands."