In a new four-part series, KATE RYAN looks at Cork’s craft beer scene. Today she finds out more about the famed Cork brewery Franciscan Well’s latest adventure, as they kick off their Dockland Series.
THE Franciscan Well has been synonymous with craft brewing since its inception in 1998 by Corkman, Shane Long.
From the first beers brewed on a small scale within the grounds of a historic Franciscan Monastery, the brand has grown and with it a loyal following of fans.
In 2013, the brand was purchased by brewing giant Molson Coors as they looked to establish a slice of the craft beer market, and at the time no brewery was more dynamic than Franciscan Well.
It still holds onto those values today; an enduring respect for Irish craft brewing by offering delicious and balance beers with a style and flavour profile to suit every type of beer aficionado.
The beers are now brewed in an enormous state-of-the-art facility on Cork’s docklands, and it is embracing its location beside the Lee by unveiling the first instalment of its Dockland Series of events in collaboration with Cork’s best loved craft beer bars.
The first of this series kicked off recently and all February long they will showcase a brand-new beer from the brewery.
Over the past few months, they have been hard at work brewing a new collection of craft beers which they will start to release from this month on a rotational basis.
Franciscan Well, has organised the Dockland Series, showcasing a brand-new beer from the brewery.
The Dockland Series celebrates the craft, culture, and vibrant spirit of Cork, with innovative craft beers which pay homage to and are brewed in Cork.
Each instalment of the Dockland Series has its own distinct character and flavour profile and the first of these, Franciscan Well’s HAZY IPA, will be available this month on draught in selected bars across the city.
At each venue, a lively mix of dynamic music acts, merchandise giveaways, craic agus ceol will celebrate the launch of Hazy IPA in style, all while enjoying a complementary pint of the beer and a two-hour live music set from specially selected local artists.
An Brog, the Franciscan Well Brew Pub, Barbarella and The Hyde Out have taken part this month. Next up is Costigan’s on February 22 and The Woodford on February 23.
Speaking about the launch this month, Shane O Sullivan, Sales Director for Ireland with Molson Coors, said: “We are thrilled to bring Hazy IPA to bars and pubs in Cork City this month. The Hazy IPA is the first beer to launch in the much-anticipated Docklands Series of craft beers and with Franciscan Well’s strong roots in Cork it is fitting that beer lovers in Cork will be the first to enjoy it!
“To celebrate the first small batch beer in the Dockland Series, we have planned events across the city which kick off in early February in participating bars and we can’t wait to hear the response from consumers and publicans alike!”
Tasting Notes At 5.5%, Hazy IPA packs a little more punch than your usual sessionable sup, but this flavour-packed beer is one for savouring. It’s bursting with hoppy character, rich juicy tropical fruit aromas on the nose, and ripe sweet mango tripping off the tongue for a gentle tangy mouthfeel. It’s a real treat for craft beer lovers who also want to support locally brewed beers.
For more information about the Dockland Series and how to participate, follow @franciscanwell on Instagram.
Next week: Eight Degrees Brewing are in the spotlight.
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