On Tap is a regular column featuring our recommendations on the most unique new draft beer offerings from local pubs.
Our Recommendation: Hoppin’ Irish Red Ale
Where: Iron Hill Brewery and Restaurant of Media, 30 East State Street, Media, PA
I was lucky enough to catch Iron Hill Media’s Firkin Friday on March 1. To celebrate the month of March, they were serving up the Hoppin’ Irish Red Ale on cask, and we were honored when Bob Barrar poured us two tasty ales.
This ale poured a beautiful light copper color with a nice frothy head of foam. It was enjoyable, easy to drink with a a bit of hoppiness that came through at the end. The Hoppin’ Irish Red Ale comes in at 4.5% ABV.
Jarrod May, Iron Hill’s Assistant Brewer, stopped by to share a pint and chat about Iron Hill’s Firkin Fridays. Jarrod explained this specialty ale was made with their traditional Irish Red Ale, which is being served on nitro. This hoppin’ version was then cask conditioned. Jarrod said, we “primed it, made sure it was carbonated up with a little bit of buckwheat honey, and we added a good deal of centennial hops to give it a little citrus pine-like character so you get the exemplification of the malt with the honey and then the hop character in there to round everything out.”
Iron Hill Media has deemed the first Friday of each month as Firkin Friday. In addition, they held Firkin Fridays every Friday in February. Jarrod told us the history of Firkin Fridays. “We don’t have a hand pump here in Media. Some our other locations do, so they can have a cask at all times. That’s why this is a great event for us—it’s a special treat for people.” In February, they kicked each of their Friday’s cask. The Firkin Friday selection is usually available on their website.
Although the Hoppin’ Irish Red Ale is surely gone now, you can definitely catch their Irish Red Ale. Also the Irish Dry Stout is due out any day now. Cheers!
