Kilkenny's Pub, Knock

One of the pubs we visited during our pilgrimage to Ireland was Kilkenny's Pub in Knock. Located on the main street, just a couple of blocks from the Marian Shrine, we discovered it during our quest for lunch. Kilkenney's was established in 1888, and the owner is the fourth generation to run the pub. We enjoyed a long conversation with the proprietor and his wife. They also run a B&B next door.

The pub offers a limited food menu, including breakfast served all day. Our son opted for a pepperoni pizza that was very delicious. The other food item offered was described as a "ham and cheese sandwich with onion and tomato, with fries." And this is where I learned a lesson about ordering food. I asked for "the ham sandwich" and another member of our group asked for the "ham sandwich with fries." When our food arrived, we received exactly what we asked for, a ham sandwich, a ham and cheese sandwich, and the ham sandwich with fries. My lunch may have been the only meal the entire trip that did not involve potatoes.) The food was all very well-prepared and quite tasty. We had a laugh about our orders, remembering that the priest who was the spiritual leader on the trip often reminds us that "Words mean things." As we would see other places as well, the pubs here will prepare your meal as you want it.

At this stop I decided to take a break from the Guinness I'd been enjoying so far on the trip and ordered a Smithwick's Ale. The beer looked as good as it tasted. I've had Smithwick's in the States, but I found the "local" version to be much more tasty. Perhaps it was the environment adding to my enjoyment.

We enjoyed a long conversation with the very friendly proprietors, discussing their pub, the Irish economic situation, US and Irish politics, and various other issues. Unfortunately, we had too little time to spend in Kilkenny's, a theme that would be repeated often during the trip. Fortunately, there would be other pubs and sights to explore.

Something From the Cellar

After returning hime from a recent range trip, I dug through some of the boxes in the basement and pulled out an older bottle of Dogfish Head Chicory Stout. The date stamp indicated the beer was bottled on October 9, 2009. Although this is a low-alcohol beer, at just 5.2% ABV, I suspected it had held up just fine. And I was right.

The beer poured very dark, but slightly translucent, brown with a large beige head. The aroma was that of dark chocolate and espresso. The flavor brings out more roasted coffee and bitterness. The chicory bitterness seems to increase in the aftertaste and lingers pleasantly in the back of the mouth. Mouthfeel is thin with a light body. This is not a heavy stout, but still one that packs significant flavor.

I've been getting itchy to break into some of the beers I've put away over the past 3-5 years. Although the beers I've managed to "cellar" are young in comparison to the collections of some craft beer enthusiasts, I am sure there are many treats to be had. Most beers set aside for aging fall into the robust, high-alcohol realm; just right for upcoming winter evenings. I suspect we'll be opening more old beer soon.

Drinking Guinness At A Distillery

It was somewhat ironic that my first pint of Guinness in Ireland was enjoyed at a whiskey distillery, on the second day of our Ireland pilgrimage. As mentioned previously, I was having lunch at the Kilbeggan Distillery when that first of many pints was consumed. Of course, we had already tasted the Kilbeggan Whiskey.

Waiting to be topped off

I've never been a big fan of Guinness. Not that I disliked it, it just wasn't a "go to" beer for me. However, I readily admit, that of all the beers I consumed in Ireland, it was the most enjoyable. In fact, whenever I decided to try another Irish-brewed beer, I was presented with a tough decision. I wanted to experience other local beers, but also lamented missing out on having another fresh-drawn Guinness. Several other members of our group also commented that they had a new appreciation for this classic Irish beer.

So, when will I have another? Hard to say. Since our trip to Italy, I've been unable to enjoy espresso the same way I did there. Likewise, perhaps Guinness will have to wait until I return to Ireland once again.

Pre-Sandy Shooting, and The Curmudgeon

It's been a few weeks since I've gotten out to shoot, and I wanted to get in at least a little trigger time before next weekend's planned Steel Match. I feared with Hurricane Sandy bearing down on Virginia, the range trip didn't seem likely. However, by Sunday afternoon the rain still wasn't on us, though it was hitting folks not too far east of here. With the outdoor furniture secured, the chainsaw verified to be working, and the beer fridge stocked, there was still some time to get over to the range for a quick visit.

The steel targets were loaded into the car since they'd be quick to set up, and would be unaffected by any wind or rain. I managed to get about 50 rounds downrange before the club curmudgeon came up behind me clucking his tongue. "You ain't s'pposed to be shootin' steel targets" he opined. I informed him the rules allowed approved steel targets and the Range Master had in fact approved these, first earlier this Spring, and again when the new rules were posted last month and I reverified. In hindsight I should have asked him about the steel spinner I saw him plinking earlier with his 10/22, or about his lack of ear and eye protection when he approached my position as I was shooting. But frankly, I just wanted the old guy to move along so I could get back to shooting, there wasn't much daylight left.

I explained a bit about steel targets to him, which was met only by a blank stare, head shaking and frequent spitting of tobacco juice onto the ground. After a while he mumbled something about "it's your thing" and slunk away. I shot a couple of more mags, but my mood was fouled as I have an admittedly low tolerance for such irritating people. I decided to pack up and head home to enjoy a good beer, in peace, and await the so-called Frankenstorm.

I gotta find my own private range, some place I can shoot and avoid dealing with people!

The Monks of Birra Nursia

The Benedictine Monks of Norcia have opened their new brewery in Norcia, Italy. Birra Nursia is located within the walls of the Monastery of San Benedetto, in the Umbria region of central Italy. Due to the strict Benedictine rule of enclosure, the brewery will only be open to the public once a year. However, the beers are for sale at the monastery gift shop and at local restaurants. When we someday get back to Italy, perhaps we'll get to try out these beers. Meanwhile, we'll enjoy this video tour of the brewery and the inauguration day celebration.

More monks brewing more beer! All seems right with the world.

There's the Bunratty Mead Label

I was half asleep as our bus made it's way through the Irish countryside when I spied a sign for the town of Bunratty in county Clare. Wait, that sight looks familiar. Then I recalled we had tried some Bunratty Mead a few years ago. I managed to grab a cellphone shot of the Bunratty Castle as we drove by.

Compare that photo to the Bunratty Mead label. 

We didn't get to stop though. Will have to keep that on the wish list for a future stop.

COTU Grand Opening Announced

Center of the Universe Brewing has announced the dates of their grand opening celebration. Virginia's newest craft brewery sent out this press release last week.

CENTER OF THE UNIVERSE BREWING COMPANY ANNOUNCES GRAND OPENING 

Ashland, Virginia, October 22nd: Center of the Universe Brewing Company is excited to announce their grand opening dates: 

• Friday, November 16th at 5pm

• Saturday, November 17th at 12pm

 Come celebrate the opening of the first brewery in Ashland. Along with plenty of fresh COTU beer, there will be local food, music and games.

COTU will be pouring four beers to start:

1. IPA – West Coast style IPA with lots of flavor and hop aroma

2. Pale Ale – Classic Pale Ale brewed with a little honey malt and continuously hopped with Cascade

3. Kolsch – Light, easy drinking session beer modeled after the beers of Cologne, Germany.

4. Details to be released later

“It's taken us over two years, thousands of emails, and hours of conversations with a few generous brewery owners around the country to get to this point.  I feel like a little kid on Christmas Eve.” 

 – Chris Ray, President of Center of the Universe Brewing Company

The Center of the Universe Brewing Company began back in 2009 when Chris Ray and his brother Phil Ray began brewing beer in their houses. The hobby turned into an obsession, and the obsession has led them to open up a craft brewery in Ashland, Virginia. Located in the heart of Central Virginia, it is affectionately known as “The Center of the Universe”.

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Find a Google Map to the brewery here, and previous posts about Center of the Universe are here. 

Killbeggan Distillery

One of our first alcohol-related stops on our Ireland pilgrimage was the historic Killbeggan Distillery in County Westmeath. Opened in 1757, it is the oldest licensed distillery in the world. This stop was a late addition to the schedule per the request of the pilgrimage spiritual director. Traveling with a priest who is also a fan of finer beverages has many benefits! The working distillery is also a museum of sorts. The plant is powered by a waterwheel and an ominous looking, and sounding, system of gears and pulleys. There's also a steam engine for "backup" but that has only been put into use a few times.

After a tour of the distillery and enjoying all the delightful aromas, we were treated to a tasting of Killbegan Irish Whiskey. A few folks in our group were selected to sample a couple of other whiskies produced by Cooley Distillery, the owners of the Kilbeggan Distillery. Even though I wasn't selected for that treat, I did notice that the guide had poured a few extra samples of Irish whiskey, and I certainly didn't want that to go to waste.  ;-)

After the tour, we adjourned to the attached restaurant for lunch. Ironically, it was at the distillery's restaurant that I was finally able to have my first Irish pint of Guinness Stout. And it was the first of many I would enjoy during the next week, but that's a topic for another post.

The Irish name for the town of Killbeggan is Cill Bheagáin. The name means "the church of St Bécán," referred to as the "Little Church" by the locals.

The Waterwheel

Mash Tun

Barrels of Aging Whiskey

Pot Stills