[Review] Dungarvan Brewing Company "Comeragh Challenger"

[Bubbles]

Comeragh Challenger is the newly released summer seasonal from Dungarvan Brewing Company. It's cheekily described as an "Irish Bitter". Perhaps the malts used in the beer might be Irish, but it's very much an English-style session ale and wears it influences on it's sleeve.

This beer is single-hopped with Challenger. This English varietal is a dual-purpose hop, used for both bittering and aroma, and normally clocks in around 8% alpha acids. Challenger was first bred in 1972 from Northern Brewer and a disease-resistant German varietal. A quick flick through Graham Wheeler's recipes "Brew Your Own British Real Ale" book will show how frequently the hop is used in commercial English bitters and pale ales.

The bottle is well-chilled as it taken out of the fridge and poured into an ale tankard. As this is a bottle-conditioned ale, it was was poured carefully. It pours with barely a finger of foam which dissipates rather quickly. Slight chill haze, with an attractive amber colour. It has that distinctive English yeast "nose" and some rich, malty aroma.

The maltiness and distinctive English yeast carry through to the flavour. Comeragh Challenger certainly punches above it's weight for what is a 3.8% ABV ale. I'm pretty sure there's a touch of roasted malt in the grist - it's probably done for colour adjustment but a little touch of roast definitely carries over in the flavour. There's also bags of yeast-derived fruitiness. The malt flavours really develop in the glass as the beer warms up so I'd really recommend drinking this beer a little warmer than usual. The considerable hop character is both floral and spicy. I've never used Challenger in an English ale before, but on the strength of this beer, I'll definitely add it to the shopping list.

It's medium-bodied, but the English yeast leaves just enough body to keep it satisfying and refreshing. The carbonation level is typical of bottled English ales, but not as light as I'd like. This style of beer really begs to be served from the cask.

If attempting a clone of this beer I'd recommend a look through the aforementioned "Brew Your Own British Real Ale" book or check out these "Ordinary Bitter" recipes on BeerSmith. My own personal recommendation is to use a 150 EBC crystal malt if attempting to brew a similar beer, as the flavour is quite similar.

Visit the Dungarvan Brewing Company website for a list of stockists.

[Greg2013]

I actually have a bottle of this chilling in the fridge,might crack it tonight. I have to say when Merry's had this on tap at the start of 2013 it was my very first introduction to the world of craft beer and as such i will always have a gra for it. Have to say on tap its stunning, hope the bottle measures up.Cheers.

[Bubbles]

Nice one. I'd definitely take it out of the fridge 20 minutes before you plan to drink it though. Those malt flavours really come into focus as a result.

Where is Merry's?

[Greg2013]

Nice one. I'd definitely take it out of the fridge 20 minutes before you plan to drink it though. Those malt flavours really come into focus as a result.

Where is Merry's?

It's in Dungarvan Co.Waterford

[Bubbles]

Nice one. I'd definitely take it out of the fridge 20 minutes before you plan to drink it though. Those malt flavours really come into focus as a result.

Where is Merry's?

It's in Dungarvan Co.Waterford

[Bubbles]

Merry's is in the middle of Dungarvan. Has two Dungarvan beer engines as a permanent feature. Noice!

To the best of my knowledge Dungarvan do not use any Irish malt.

Nice to have that on your doorstep alright.

Good to know. The fact that they don't appear to use any Irish ingredients at all makes the "Irish Bitter" tagline even cheekier..

[irish_goat]

This is lovely on cask. A really quaffable pint that goes well with dinner (BBQ ribs or burgers would be best).

[Bubbles]

I think bitters like this make a great accompaniment to cheese also.

Know of anywhere in Dublin currently serving it on cask?

[irish_goat]

I think bitters like this make a great accompaniment to cheese also.

Know of anywhere in Dublin currently serving it on cask?

The B&C tapped one up a day or two ago if I'm not mistaken. I always made a point of asking the manager to order this any time we could but the stuff is like gold dust. I believe Merry's and a few other local pubs have a running order for it so very little makes it up to Dublin.

[Greg2013]

How much would a cornie of this cost?  :

[Taf]

Had this on cask in Blairs Inn close to Blarney last week, very nice.

[Bubbles]

How much would a cornie of this cost?  :

I wonder would they fill a "growler" for you...?? Hmm..

[Greg2013]

How much would a cornie of this cost?  :

I wonder would they fill a "growler" for you...?? Hmm..

Well it is only in the road from me and i suppose it can't do any harm to ask? Thats if they are still filling it that is

[Bubbles]

Review on the front page, folks.

[Greg2013]

I got my answer NO, customs and excise and all that