Before we dive into the Wicklow Wolf beer review let’s find out more about them. They are based in Newtown Mount Kennedy on the east side of Ireland. Started by two friends Quincey Fennelly and Simon Lynch, they have been making great beer since 2014 and are one of only a few breweries to grow their own hops. The can design and wolf logo are brilliantly eye catching and it’s clear a lot of care and attention has been given in creating a quality product. Let’s get on with the beer review!
Elevation
Style: Pale Ale
Abv: 4.8%
First impressions?
There are many great things about this beer but above all is the initial hit of intense tropical aromas. It pours with a medium to low head and is a clear, light, amber colour. It’s lightly carbonated.
How does it taste?
There are strong fruity and tropical flavours from the mandarina bavaria, calypso and mosaic hop additions. However, there are also subtle earthy and grassy notes. It has a smooth, velvety and slightly oily mouthfeel. It leaves a lovely citrus aftertaste. In short this is a cracking example of a pale ale.
What’s the verdict?
Mammoth
Style: IPA
Abv: 6.2%
First impressions?
This pours with a medium head and a golden amber colour. It has a light carbonation and a mild citrus aroma, as well as delivering earthy, bitter notes.
How does it taste?
This is a well balanced beer and despite the higher alcohol content the overall hit is subtle. The addition of a variety of tropical hops (Strata, Simcoe, Chinook, Cascade and Eureka) gives it an abundance of citrus flavour. It has a lovely silky and slightly oily mouthfeel and leaves a gentle citrus aftertaste. To sum up it’s deliciously refreshing and feels more like a session ale.
What’s the verdict?
Apex
Style: Oatmeal Stout
Abv 6.5%
First impressions?
A dark chocolate coloured beer with medium carbonation and head. First thing you notice is the strong coffee and chocolate aroma.
How does it taste?
There is an intense smokey flavour. Consequently it’s a real blast to the senses but even so it has a medium body which doesn’t over power. Finally a subtle smokiness lingers in the aftertaste giving it a very satisfying finish.
What’s the verdict?
Arcadia
Style: Gluten Free Lager
Abv 4.3%
First impressions?
I haven’t had many gluten free beers so didn’t know what to expect from this one. However, I was pleasantly surprised. It pours with a large head but in contrast it’s lightly carbonated. It’s a very clear and light amber colour and the aroma is sweet and hoppy.
How does it taste?
On the contrary the flavour is a strong malt which consequently gives a nuttiness to it. It has a very smooth and silky mouthfeel which leads on to a gentle hum of hops. Of course, now I want more please.
What’s the verdict?
Wildfire
Style: Hoppy Red Ale
Abv: 4.6%
First impressions?
Finally the red ale. This seems to be a great combination of elements from the other beers. It pours to leave a medium head and is well carbonated. It has a rich and dark ruby colour and a very subtle chocolate and coffee aroma.
How does it taste?
The flavour is a delicious maltiness which gives a silky and velvety mouthfeel and a warm malty aftertaste. For this reason I think this is one of the best red ales out there.
What’s the verdict?
Summary
In conclusion, you can’t go wrong with this selection of beers from Wicklow Wolf Brewery. Each beer from their standard range has unique characteristics and each a great example of the style. I’ll try and get hold of their specials and collaboration beers and post up another review. I’m excited to see what they come up with next!
Let me know what you think about the Wicklow Wolf beer review in the comment section below or send me an email [email protected].
