A Local Beauty

 The Whitewater brewery is a small micro-brewery situated deep in the Mourne Mountains, Co. Down, Northern Ireland. It employs less than 5 people and is relatively anonymous outside of the Emerald Isle, but bloody hell, it produces some good beer!
   Their flagship brand, Clotworthy Dobbin, is a 5.0% rich porter, brewed to an original recipe concocted by Mr. Dobbin himself in the 1800's. The brewery still use yeast from the old Belfast brewery in order to achieve the most accurate reproduction of the original beer.
   This beer is a dark ruby in colour, with a smoky appearance and a thick, brownish head. It holds fantastic smoked oak and burnt sugar aromas, giving it a lot of body and depth. A significant amount of fruit is apparent both on the nose and on taste, giving it that little sweet edge, and adding an extra dimension to the beer. The finish is short and dry with some bitterness.
   Altogether, this beer makes for a great drink, whether as a session beer or with food. It left me dying for another, but instead, I decided to go for another of the Whitewater brands, this time, it was the lesser known Belfast Ale.
   This is a 4.5% amber ale, again brewed to an old recipe, originating in the old Belfast brewery.
  On first taste, the typical 'ale' tastes were immediately apparent. The beer had distinct sharpness with some hop and malt. As I took a few more sips, more fruity tones along with some sweet caramel aromas came along, eventually culminating in an obvious oaky taste and a long, bitter finish.
   Now, although not nearly as good as the old Clot, this beer is still something special. Another fantastic brew from a group of local heros, re-inventing the craft beer scene in Northern Ireland.
    Both these beers are truly wonderful and no matter where you are over the next few days, I encourage you to do your best to get your hands on either one of them, and enjoy an alternative Irish beer this St. Patricks Day.