Mescan Westport Extra Belgian Strong Golden Ale is a bold and flavourful beer that exemplifies the artisanal skill of Mescan Brewery, based in Westport, County Mayo. This brewery, inspired by Belgian monastic brewing traditions, was founded by two former vets, Cillian and Bart, who turned their passion for brewing into a flourishing business. The brewery’s name pays homage to St. Patrick’s personal brewer, Mescan, and their beers are brewed with the same reverence and dedication as the historic Trappist beers of Belgium.
Mescan Brewery is known for its commitment to crafting high-quality beers using traditional methods and natural ingredients. Each beer is unfiltered and bottle-conditioned, allowing for a complex maturation process. The Westport Extra is one of their flagship offerings, a Belgian Strong Golden Ale that is as rich in flavour as it is in history.
Tasting Notes:
- Appearance: This beer pours a deep, rich golden colour with a generous white head that lingers and leaves beautiful lacing on the glass.
- Aroma: The yeast-driven aroma is immediately noticeable, with notes of ripe fruit, particularly pear and apple, followed by hints of spice such as clove and a subtle peppery note. There is also a slight honey sweetness in the background.
- Flavour: On the palate, Mescan Westport Extra opens up with fruity esters of apple and pear, transitioning into a complex mix of spices like clove and white pepper. The malty backbone provides a delicate sweetness that is balanced by a slight bitterness from noble hops. The higher ABV adds warmth without overpowering the beer’s intricate flavours.
- Mouthfeel: The beer has a smooth, medium-to-full body with a lively carbonation that enhances its refreshing quality. The finish is long, with lingering spice and a touch of sweetness.
Brewery Information:
Founded in 2013, Mescan Brewery is located at the foot of Croagh Patrick in Westport, County Mayo. Cillian and Bart, the founders, started the brewery out of a shared passion for Belgian-style beers and a desire to bring these complex flavours to the Irish market. The brewery’s name, Mescan, refers to St. Patrick’s own personal brewer, underscoring the brewery’s connection to both Irish and Belgian brewing traditions.
Mescan Brewery has grown steadily since its inception, gaining a strong reputation for producing authentic, high-quality beers that are unfiltered, unpasteurised, and naturally carbonated. Their beers are all bottle-conditioned, allowing them to develop additional complexity over time. Mescan’s dedication to quality has earned them numerous accolades, and their beers are now enjoyed both in Ireland and abroad.
Food Pairings:
The complex flavours of Mescan Westport Extra Belgian Strong Golden Ale make it an ideal companion for a wide range of dishes. Here are some food pairing suggestions:
- Cheeses: The fruity and spicy notes of this beer pair wonderfully with semi-soft cheeses like gouda or brie. The beer’s carbonation helps cut through the richness of the cheese, creating a balanced and enjoyable pairing.
- Hearty Meat Dishes: The warming alcohol and complex flavours of Mescan Westport Extra make it a great match for roast meats, especially pork or chicken with herbs and spices. The peppery notes in the beer complement these dishes, while the sweetness balances the savoury elements.
- Seafood: Try pairing this beer with grilled salmon or seafood pasta. The beer’s effervescence and fruity notes provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the fish.
- Spicy Dishes: The subtle spice in the beer makes it a great companion for mildly spiced dishes, such as a Moroccan tagine or a mild curry.
Mescan Westport Extra Belgian Strong Golden Ale is a truly exceptional beer that embodies the passion and craftsmanship of Mescan Brewery. Whether you’re a fan of Belgian-style ales or new to the world of craft beer, this beer is sure to impress with its complex flavour profile and smooth finish. Perfect for pairing with food or enjoying on its own, Mescan Westport Extra is a standout in the growing landscape of craft beer Ireland.
Shop the best of craft beer Ireland and from around the world online with TheCru.ie or in our Dublin craft beer store, Carry Out Tyrrelstown in Dublin 15.