FDBusiness.com

The 2nd annual Alltech International Craft Brews and Food Fair, Ireland’s largest craft beer festival, may have closed its doors for this year but it will return same time next year. A record number of visitors, more than 6,000, tasted some of the finest craft beers from around the world over the course of the 3 day festival.

“When I looked around the Fair I felt and sensed a craft brewing movement come to life in Dublin last weekend. The Fair was an exciting and spectacular success for us and we are delighted with the feedback from the visiting public. Consumers want taste and something different. There is a real sense of entrepreneurship in Ireland and in particular in the craft brewing industry. In the past people thought of Germany and America for craft beer but now Dublin, Ireland is on the map!” stated Dr. Pearse Lyons, founder and president of Alltech.

Alltech hosted the first Fair as part of The Gathering 2013 as a salute to the craft brewing industry and by returning last week it is clear there is a huge demand for craft beer not just here in Ireland but across the globe. More than 300 craft beers participated in the Dublin Craft Beer Cup last week, judged by Dr. Inge Russell, editor of the Journal of the Institute of Brewing and her team of international experts. The king of the craft brews, Coisbo, a Danish family run craft brewery received the prestigious prize, for their “Four” Russian imperial stout brand.

The selection of beers from breweries around the world delighted attendees who sampled brews from brewers including Carlow Brewing, Espiga, Hardknott, Redwell, Mountain Man, N17 and Blacks of Kinsale. Paired with these fantastic beers were cheeses from Sheridans Cheesemongers, smoked salmon from Burren Smokehouse, crisps from Keogh’s, breads from the Bretzel Bakery and many more.

In the centre of the Expo was the Kentucky Tavern, dispensing Alltech’s range of beers and spirits to thirsty guests. Brews included Kentucky® IPA, Kentucky® Bourbon Barrel Stout and the flagship Kentucky® Bourbon Barrel Ale. A sensory lounge allowed experienced brewers, home brewers and beer and spirit enthusiasts to taste whiskey, bourbon and beers to learn more about how to taste and the impact of different ingredients on flavour profiles.

Dr. Pearse Lyons encouraged the craft brewers and potential new entrants to the market to be brave and take chances in this incredible industry, noting the incredible potential for job creation. “Did we strike a chord – Yes! Will we do it again next year – Yes! Was it a success – Yes!” stated Dr. Lyons. The Alltech International Craft Brews and Food Fair will return to Dublin in 2015.