Devil's Backbone
Kinnegar Brewing

My first from Kinnegar, so I had to go on their website and I was impressed, particularly at their thoughtful marketing. Quite good for a 12 year old. They also tie themselves to the western/Northern Ireland lifestyle... kind of a chilly California feel as interpreted for this Atlantic coastline. So for all the good marketing and lifestyle choices and an interesting portfolio of brews (including their Phunk line), I give Kinnegar very good Overall Hugs.

Devil's Backbone I'm less enthusiastic about: really only slightly above average for its style. Devil's Looks ruby red, but the yeast could leave more life. Smells are bland, some sweet malt and some aromatic hops; but not memorable. Tastes are not really balanced; the sweet malt really doesn't have a chance against these hops. This is not quite Medium-mouthed; but it is refreshing. Glad I tried this. Slainte'!

 

 

500ml bottle poured into tulip pint glass. Pours light red/brown with 2 finger white foam head. On the nose, light malty aroma with a touch of caramel and faint fruitiness. On tasting, quite malty upfront, followed by a soft lingering spice. Hop bitterness is fairly subtle, would consider it more on the earthy side. Decent mouthfeel. Overall, a pretty nice ale.

 

 

 

★★★★
Une autre très bonne bière de Kinnegar
J'aime Letterkenny parce que je peux boire autre chose que de la Guinness. Cette bière ambrée est encore une fois crémeuse et onctueuse avec une touche caramélisée délicieuse.

 

 

500ml bottle from Paul's Off-License, Donegal Town (€3.25):
Quite a disappointing offering from Kinnegar, especially after how much I enjoyed their Crossroads IPA but this one was far too subdued & light, particularly with the nose which was bordering on weak at points. Things improved slightly come the taste with more of the bitter malts & earthy hops coming through alongside some biscuit flavours but it's not a classic & I can't imagine it's one that I'd pick up again either.

 

 

Hazy Amber color with modest head. Nice malts smell to nose with hint of spice. Modest hops are balanced with the malts for a nice feel; does not linger on the palate.

 

 

 

 

Poured from a cask and was a hazy orange in colour.

Smelled of sweet cereal malts with a hint of spicy hops.

Very mild in flavour with little to no carbonation. Faint bread-malts and not much else to it. Very timid for a beer.

Would I buy it again? Meh.