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New ‘Distillers Quarter’ announced for Ireland’s largest craft brews gathering

Posted on: 07 Feb 2018

Alltech Craft Brews & Food Fair returns to Dublin from March 8th – 10th

#AlltechBrews

The Alltech Craft Brews and Food Fair, Ireland’s largest gathering of craft brewers and distillers, returns to the Convention Centre Dublin for the sixth year from Thursday March 8th – Saturday March 10th 2018. This year’s event will host more than 50 exhibitors showcasing the latest innovations and trends and a new ‘Distillers Quarter’, capturing the growing interest in craft spirits and cocktails.

The annual event has become the ‘go-to’ occasion for anyone with an interest in tasting, experimenting and meeting with the finest brewers from Ireland and overseas. Attendees will also be entertained by live music on the main stage, live Six Nations Rugby on three of the biggest screens in Dublin and a wide range of tasty eats to complement your favourite tipple.

Conor Farrell, Alltech Craft Brews & Food Fair spokesperson said, “We are really proud of how our Fair has evolved and grown over the last 5 years and it has been fantastic to witness the craft sector flourish in this time. Being an annual event, it provides a great benchmark to track key trends in the sector and of course to taste the latest innovations! In a positive outlook for the future almost two-thirds of our exhibitors have indicated that they are planning to increase their employee numbers in 2018 with many also expanding their offering into the growing food tourism area through the development of visitor attractions.”

New for 2018

The new ‘Distillers Quarter’ feature will serve the best craft spirits and cocktails created by leading mixologists. The area will offer a cosy lounge feel where visitors will have the opportunity to sample a range of tasty combinations, some of which will have been developed exclusively for the Fair.

The event will also host a number of exciting new Irish drinks companies including Kinsale Mead Company, Ireland’s first producer of Mead in many years; Ha’Penny Gin, who will introduce a new Rhubarb Gin at the event; Beara Distillery founded in September 2017 by siblings passionate about all things gin; and two new craft breweries - Ballykilcavan Brewing Company who launched their first two beers in Summer 2017 and Larkins Brewing Company who have just launched three core beers in January 2018.

Limited Edition & Seasonal Brews

With more than 400 brews on offer, the event will showcase well-established favourites alongside new innovations, collaborations, and seasonal specials. These include: Reel Deel Brewery’s Juniper and Orange Ale brewed in collaboration with James Brown Brews and a Whiskey Barrel Aged Brown Ale with Connacht Whiskey Company; Rascal Brewing Company’s barrel aged beers including Flanders Red, aged in Sangiovese red wine barrels and a Bourbon Milkshake Stout aged in Bourbon barrels; Boyne Brewhouse’s limited edition imperial stout and pilot series as well as the launch of a new canned range; the launch of a new honey beer by Galway Hooker; and a range of new seasonal specials will be revealed at the event from 12 Acres, Rye River, Four Provinces and Station Works.  

Dublin Craft Cups & Brewers Lectures
On the opening night of the Fair, the winners of the Dublin Craft Beer and Cider Cup* competitions will be announced by Head Judge, Brewmaster, Gearóid Cahill. The competition, which allows craft brewers and cider-makers to have their brews rated, tasted and analysed by an expert, international panel of judges, is currently open for entries.

The Fair will also host the sixth instalment of the popular Brewers Lectures**, a series of live events from leading industry magazine the Brewers Journal. The half day event will feature lectures, delivered by six expert speakers, designed to inspire change, generate discussion and share brewing.

Event Information

For further information, including the full entertainment line-up and exhibitor listing visit www.alltechbrews.ie. Join the conversation on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram using #AlltechBrews.

Sponsors and partners for the event include Alltech Beverage Division Ireland (ABDI), Fevertree, Three and Brewers Lectures.