CD Update and Beer Review: Tom Hennessy's Irish Ale

Hello everyone!

After about a month, I have finally returned to post once more. There is a lot to update concerning Castle Danger Brewery, and then I will review the Irish Ale that was brewed back in the beginning of January.

Castle Danger Brewery

For those of you who don't know already, I have been interning since October at a small 3 bbl microbrewery called Castle Danger Brewery. Since I started, I have had the amazing opportunity to watch as the brewery transformed from a room with some stainless steel brewing equipment in it, to a fully functioning brewery. The anticipation for the day when we would actually get to brew was incredible, and I would like to believe that I had some hand in helping to get things started and that I was able to offer something.

Well, whether I really effected what has been evolving or not, Castle Danger Brewery kicked off production with our first official batch this week. Clint (the owner) flew solo on this batch because I had to be in school today, but I am extremely excited nonetheless. I cannot wait until this Thursday when I will be able to help brew my first batch.

Castle Danger Brewery is located in Castle Danger, MN just shy of Gooseberry Falls on 61. The plan is to have taps at restaurants and bars in Two Harbors, MN and the surrounding areas. We also hope to eventually be able to sell growlers on site as well.

I will try keeping everyone updated as to when/where all of these things are happening. Everyone who is reading this should like Castle Danger Brewery on facebook!

Castle Danger Brewery's Facebook Page!

Now onto the beer review!

Tom Hennessy's Irish Ale

This was my first attempt really at any sort of Irish Red Ale. Since I didn't really have a strong grasp of the style, I set some goals for this beer that I thought would make it taste good and maybe take a shot at what an Irish Red is really like. The most important aspect of this beer in my mind was the color, which makes the style really distinct. To get the signature red color I added a small amount of roasted barley to a more lightly colored malt base. Another characteristic I wanted to aim for is a good chewy, malty flavor balanced with a decent amount of hop flavor and bitterness. Here is a review of the beer, I did my best to not be too critical or too biased concerning this brew.

ABV ~6%
IBU ~32
Hops - East Kent Goldings, Czech Saaz
Malts - Pale, Carapils, Caramel, Roasted Barley

My Rating (1-5): 3.5


I poured this beer into my new Samuel Adam's pint glass frosted in the freezer. When poured, this beer appears looks almost brown with a red tinge. Once you hold it up to the light, however, the color is vividly red and surprisingly clear. Goal one, accomplished. The head is about a finger's width thick and settles relatively quickly but it leaves a nice lace that sticks around and sticks to the side of the glass. It appears well carbonated, with plenty of little bubbles rising rapidly right after pouring.

The Irish Ale leaves something to be desired with aroma, but it is not unpleasant. If I were to redo this one I would perhaps consider doing some dry hopping. The scent is sweet, the hops are mild with a hint of floral and herbal aromas.

The flavor of this beer came close to what I was looking for, but didn't quite hit the mark. The flavor profile was definitely what I wanted it to be, slightly sweet, caramel, a little fruity and some carbonated tangy-ness. The beer has decent body too, though the mouthfeel towards the end could use some work. The bitterness and hop flavors really come through in the aftertaste which is pretty pleasant but could be balance with a little more malt flavor. All in all, as far as the malt and flavor profile is concerned this beer is lacking something. It needs some "umph". I do want to save this recipe and make some slight changes, hopefully to give it a little something extra.

I think this is a very enjoyable beer, and I really like drinking it. Though I don't think it is my best concoction thus far, it certainly disappears from my glass mighty quickly. My old supervisor used to make jokes about our body temperatures being really high, because the beer evaporates from the glass quickly. Definitely one of those sorts of deals.

If you are interested in trying one of these babies out, there are still plenty left. I need to clear out the bottles so that I can make room for my next project: a partial mash Dukelweizen recipe! More to come, and definitely a post after my exploits on Thursday helping out with my first official Castle Danger brew!


Cheers!