Beer of the week: Galway Hooker Double IPA ‘Anniversary Edition’, 8.6% ABV; 500ml — €4.50-€4.99

Galway Hooker’s Irish Pale Ale began production in 2006 and was the first of the second wave of Irish craft beers (Franciscan Well and Carlow were the previous decade). 

Stockists: Bradleys, 1601 Kinsale, World Wide Wines, McCambridges Galway, O’Briens

It was a little challenging for beer drinkers at the time, while now it is viewed as a good entry-level IPA.

Brewer Aidan Murphy admits on the label that their new limited edition beer is a “bruiser” — quadruple-hopped, brimming with flavours and a hefty 8.6% abv.

Copper-gold in colour it pours with a light fluffy head and has initial aromas of pine and preserved lemons. Full and rich on the palate with initial sweetness soon washed away by bitter hop character.