Two new beers from Northern Irish craft brewer
McGrath's, the Northern Irish craft brewer, has launched two new premium ales for the Winter season. The company, based at Lurgan in County Armagh, has introduced a unique Irish White Ale and an Irish Amber Ale in a drive to accelerate the growth in sales in Britain, the Republic of Ireland and other parts of Europe.
The new craft brewed ales, developed by founder and managing director Mark Pearson, bring the successful brewery's portfolio to six. The new McGrath's Irish White Ale No 3 has a 4.9% ABV rating and is on sale in 500ml bottles at £2.39 RRP
Mr Pearson describes the White Ale as "a refreshing wheat beer with complex flavours from the wheat and barley malts, infused with generous additions of spicy coriander and curacao orange peel; complimented with a light bitterness from the hops and a crisp, citrus finish on the palate."
The white ale, aimed a female and male drinkers alike, he adds, leans towards the traditional Belgian style 'Biere Blanche' but with an American twist.
"This is brewed using wheat, American hops, a blend of spices including coriander and Curacao Orange Peel. There's really nothing like it on the Irish market at the moment" he adds.
McGrath's Irish Amber Ale No 6 has 5.2% abv and is also on sale in 500ml bottles at £2.39
He describes the new product as "A full flavoured Amber Ale: A rich malty body; embraced by smooth caramel undertones, embellished with citrus and spice. The hop aroma exudes boldness with floral spice, complimented by a slight sweetness on the finish."
The amber ale is aimed at the growing market of beer drinkers "looking for something that little bit different".
"It's brewed using all American hops and could be described as quite hoppy yet its balanced against the maltiness and caramel tones," he says.
He adds: "I am confident that the new ales will appeal to craft beer and ale enthusiasts in Britain, Ireland and other parts of Europe. They strengthen our existing portfolio, enabling us to offer customers a comprehensive range of craft brewedales.
"All our ales are brewed using traditional techniques and only the finest natural ingredients. They've been created to reflect the rich heritage of the past, fused with modern twists. Uncompromising on quality, all of our ales are free from artificial additives or preservatives."
Founded by Mr Pearson in 2008 as ClanconnelBrewing Company Ltd , the company has rebranded it's range of ales & stout as McGrath's, named after Master McGrath, the legendary greyhound from Lurgan in Co Armagh, where the company is based. The famed greyhound won the Waterloo Cup race on three separate occasions - 1868, 1869, 1871, the only dog to do so. The dog's achievements were celebrated by Queen Victoria and the Royal Family.
Owned by Lord Lurgan, Master McGrath became the town's most famous sporting hero being renowned both nationally and internationally. During his racing career he was defeated only once in 37 course meetings.