Tuesday, 27 January 2026

That Bass Pale Ale Label - Why It Wasn't the First Trade Mark Registered in the UK

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T here is an enduring story that Bass’s Red Triangle was the first registered trade mark in the United Kingdom in 1876 – and with 2026 being...
Tuesday, 23 December 2025

A Shot of Beer History #12: Castlebellingham Christmas Ale

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C hristmas Ale wasn't something that breweries promoted in Ireland so it's nice to come across an advertisement for one that was to ...
Sunday, 7 December 2025

Strong Words and Strange Porter: Some Notes on the Beer Recipes for a Talk and Tasting in L. Mulligan Grocer, Stoneybatter, Dublin on 7th December 2025

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W hen Dr. Christina Wade first approached me to collaborate on a couple of 18th century beers to tie in with the English vs Irish porter wa...
Thursday, 6 November 2025

A Shot of Beer History #11: Smithwick's East India Pale Ale

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I t could be argued that the history of the Smithwick family's St. Francis Abbey brewery in Kilkenny bring out a love/hate duality of fe...
Monday, 3 November 2025

A Shot of Beer History #10: Some Late 19th Century Dublin & Cork Stout Labels

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I n March of 1896 the following commentary appeared in the wonderfully titled Dublin newspaper The Illustrograph: THE STOUT LABEL QUESTION  ...
Thursday, 9 October 2025

Some Found Pub Prose: A Great and Generous Creature

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'T rue, there be many Old Ales (so-called) that be but of this year’s brewing, and deserve but the name of Mild. Yet that Ale which is O...
Wednesday, 10 September 2025

Irish Brewing People of the Past - #2 Eliza Alley

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T he history of Irish brewing is no stranger to women. There is much talk and commentary regarding the brew wives of the far past, and some ...