Food

Take it home: a taste of Africa and some real Champagne

Each week, John Wilson selects a great beer and wine to try right now. This week: a Beer called Rwanda from Wicklow Wolf and Bénard-Pitois 2005 Blanc de Blancs Premier Cru Champagne

A beer called Rwanda

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John Wilson
Wed Dec 30 2015 - 12:00

A Beer called Rwanda, Wicklow Wolf

Feeling a little jaded after all those celebrations? Need a little boost before the New Year’s revelry? What better pick-me-up than the hair of a dog combined with a dose of caffeine? A Beer called Rwanda is just that; a collaboration between Bray brewer Wicklow Wolf, who make a string a very tasty beers, and coffee importer and roaster Java Republic. It is 5.1 per cent in alcohol with light coffee aromas and an enticing mix of blackcurrants, redcurrants, lightly toasted coffee bean and a touch of caramel.

“We wanted to do a seasonal and we are friendly with some of the people in Java Republic,” says Quincey Fennelly of Wicklow Wolf. “It was kind of on the cards for nine months but we couldn’t fit it in. Rather than doing the obvious coffee porter we decided to do a brown ale.”

Java Republic recommended the Rwanda coffee. “The name was really just a working title but we liked it and so did they. The beer has gone down extremely well and is almost sold out. We may brew it again for next Christmas. In the meantime we have a few other ideas up our sleeve for 2016.’

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Bénard-Pitois 2005 Blanc de Blancs Premier Cru Champagne

With New Year’s Eve coming up, now is the time to buy a decent bottle of Champagne. Leave the Prosecco aside for one night and indulge yourself and your friends with something special.

The Bénard-Pitois non-vintage is one of the best value Champagnes on the market. At €33.95 from Whelehan’s, it outperforms many of the better-known names that sell for more than €40 and more. But if you fancy bringing in the New Year with something really special, I would go for the gorgeous 2005 Blanc de Blancs.

Made 100 per cent from Chardonnay grapes, this is a classic maturing Blanc de Blancs, with elegant concentrated brioche and biscuity flavours. Finishing long and dry, this will start 2016 in the most stylish way possible. €49 from Whelehan's Wines in Loughlinstown.