Quilter’s Irish Death
Posted by dugpark on April 29, 2008
Tonight was the night to open one of the stronger beers. It has been a long week (only Tuesday, I know) and I need some of the hard stuff… at least something with some kick. So, I reached for Quilter’s Irish Death from Iron Horse Brewery in Ellensburg, WA. A somewhat local brewery that hasn’t been open for long, but can make a good tasting beer, that is for sure.
I learned a few things about this beer tonight. First, it is a dark, malty stout beer with a smooth finish. Second, that it goes rather well with Rice Krispie Treats. Really…
Good pour, nice and dark but slightly transparent. Good head for a stout. Good smell… can smell the roastedness of the beer. And the flavor, at 47.4 °F was just about right. The malt is definitely there, which gives this one a good depth of flavor. I note some slight chocolate undertones, as well. Their descripion on the website says there are a bunch of ingredients, so that could be one of the reasons I had a hard time really pinning anything down.
Overall, a good beer. In a land of good stouts, though, I don’t think they stand out that much, so I give them middle of the road.
JBB6 Rating: Middle of the Road
chipperdave said
That Ironhorse Quilter’s Irish Death sounds delicious! I’ll have to look for it when I visit northern Idaho later this summer. I’ve often found that dark beers go well with either sweets or ice cream. You should try making a float with this. Love that label – any liquid with a skull and crossbones should be drank with caution.
Jesse aka Mac Daddy said
Was celebrating May 2nd my divorce at one of my favorite Tacoma bars, The Swiss. They too are celebrating an event..their 15th year and while I haven’t warmed a bar stool there over those years I first started frequenting the Swiss not long after their opening as I worked up the hill at St. Joe’s Hospital for several years in the mid 1990s. I’ve had many a wonderful times with ladies and friends at the Swiss and have literally been there dozens upon dozens of times.
Having a good dash of Irish in me and possessing an Irish surname I simply had to try the Irish Death on tap last Friday at the Swiss. I am a fan of dark beers and ales and this one was very good. Solid, tasty and no after taste. A damn good ale! Definitely one of my favorites along with the Arrogant Bastard brothers Bastard and Double Bastard. Congratulations to the Swiss for bringing great beer and music to Tacoma for three quarters of a score of years.
dugpark said
Ah… I would love to try this on tap. The Swiss must be a pretty decent place if they serve some quality craft on tap. Glad to hear you enjoyed it and will have to frequent that little locale next time I am down that way.
DJ Widget said
My wife and I recently tried this beer here in Spokane, WA at our favorite bar “Baby Bar” we usually go there for the stiff drinks, but we decided to try this. We are so happy we did. If you like Guinness, Moose Drool, 1554, or Smithwicks then this is right up your alley!
dugpark said
I was talking to my good friend the other day and he noted that he had this on tap, as well, and that it was really good on tap… but then he picked up a bottle and took it home and he said it was completely different and he didn’t like it at all… would love to know if there are similar views on this… glad you liked it DJ… loving craft brews is what it is all about.
Dug
Ulvblod ov Fenrir said
I just tried this beer down at the pub this evening. It was incredibly heady and the bartender didn’t pour it right so it got all over my hand and the glass. Sugar or chocolate is a definite ingredient, it left my hand feeling sticky after it dried. The taste was a bit bitter and less roasted in my opinion and it left this sickening sweet aftertaste. It wasn’t a bad dark beer, but it wasn’t good by any measure.
dugpark said
I have yet to try this on tap… you should have at least asked for a freebie…