O’hara’s irish stout

Carlow Brewing Company was founded in 1998 in County Carlow, Ireland, and has built a well-deserved reputation as one of Ireland’s finest independent craft breweries. Their O’Hara’s range is their flagship — named after the founding family — and O’Hara’s Irish Stout is the beer that best represents what they do: a proper dry Irish stout that can genuinely go head to head with Guinness and come out looking very good indeed.

Tasting Notes

O’Hara’s Irish Stout pours a very deep black with a creamy tan head that has excellent retention. The nose is roasty and dry — dark coffee, some dark chocolate, and a clean bitterness that’s quintessentially dry Irish stout. On the palate it’s medium-bodied with a firm roast bitterness, coffee and dark chocolate notes, and a long, dry finish that’s satisfyingly bitter without being harsh. It’s a more complex and characterful stout than most of the mass-market alternatives.

Verdict

Serve at cellar temperature — ideally on draught if you can find it, though the bottled version is excellent. O’Hara’s Irish Stout is one of the best examples of the style available: drier and more complex than Guinness, with a real craft character that rewards attention. Pairs perfectly with oysters, beef stew, or a good Irish breakfast. If you love dry Irish stout, this is essential drinking.