Make a resolution to taste more beer in 2012!

Most resolutions are so negative aren’t they? Give up this, don’t waste time doing that, drag yourself to the gym nine times a week etc. At the start of a new year, wouldn’t it be better to be more positive, and resolve to do something you love, but also learn about it in the process? How about if we said we have an idea for a novel resolution that will allow you to drink more rather than less, and not feel guilty?!

The craft beer revolution really hit its stride in Ireland in 2011. Pub openings and expansions - such as the brilliant L. Mulligan in Stoneybatter, Bierhaus in Cork and Against The Grain in Dublin 2 - along with a general increase in acceptance and interest in home brewed beer from the normal punter, saw a real surge in the movement away from mass production of Ireland’s fave tipple. Nowadays, in cities anyway, it’s the norm rather than the exception to have at least 1/2 taps with Irish craft beer, and customers are, quite rightly, demanding to know a bit more about what goes into their drinks and where they come from. Of course, this has also led to a growth in breweries, and there are now approximately 20 in Ireland, including Dungarvan Brewing Company and the famous Carlow Brewing Company, purveyors of O’Hara’s Pale Ale.

So, with the indigenous beer market exploding, are you up to date with your pale ales, brewing techniques, chocolate stouts and Belgian lagers? Just like wine, each beer has its own history, characteristics and taste, and matching beer with food is a big new trend. The renowned Cliff House Hotel in Waterford, for example, is introducing a tasting menu that will be paired with local beers in February. So, if you don’t want to be left behind, if you’re just a little bored with wine tasting or if you’re a foodie and want to know which porter goes well with what cheese, then we’ve got the class for you.

Beginning on Monday 23rd January, John Duffy, a co-founder of Beoir, Ireland’s craft beer consumers’ organization, and blogger at thebeernut.blogspot.com, will be leading a six-week certificate course in beer appreciation at The Carlyle Institute. Lasting from 18.30 to 20.30 each Monday, the course costs €275 all in. Participants will be brought through an introduction to craft beer, an in-depth look at Irish beer and how certain beers go with certain foods. The course is bound to be an eye opener - Duffy is a thought leader in brewing and craft beer in Ireland, so you’re sure to be enthralled by what he’s got to say on the history and future of the industry.

For full information on the course, click here, and do check out our previous piece on the craft beer revolution if you’d like some context before beginning the courses. The Carlyle Institute is based on Grafton Street and runs numerous courses on topics from marketing to food safety.