What is Duffy's and who is that dog?
Duffy’s Irish Red Ale takes its name from our Irish brewer, Stephen Duffy. Like many other of his countryfolk, Stephen made the long trip to Australia to start a new life during the Great Irish Craft Beer Famine of 2016. Sure, there were stout and ales a-plenty back on the Emerald Isle, but what Stephen was really craving was a good Aussie craft beer. Fortunately for us gluten free beer lovers, Stephen still knows how to brew the classic styles too. He was happy to be put to work at developing a modern classic - an Irish Red Ale without the gluten. And he's absolutely nailed it.
The Irish Red Ale holds particular significance to TWØBAYS founder & CEO, Richard Jeffares, having also emigrated to Australia from Ireland with his family as a child. The Red Setter depicted on the can was the Jeffares’ family dog, Rua (Gaeilge for “Red”), who joined the family shortly after they arrived in Australia. Just like Rua, Duffy’s Irish Red Ale is bold, beautiful and brings people together with warmth and charm.
What are the origins of this beer style?
Irish Red Ales can be traced back to 14th century Ireland, thought to have been brewed at St. Francis Abbey in in Kilkenny city around that time, but may have origins even earlier in Irish history. Perhaps the most well known Irish red ale is Smithwick's, which traces its lineage to 1710. Smithwick’s was acquired by Guinness in 1965 and Guinness developed an export-only brand known as Kilkenny which is still popular with beer drinkers around the world today. The beer is as you would expect, red in colour, with a malty caramel sweetness and a touch of bitterness but not too much. They are designed to be sessionable beers, for long afternoons in the local pub with good friends. Stephen has modelled the TWØBAYS version on these classics, but of course with his own flair and with 100% naturally gluten free malts.
Which malts have you used to make this gluten free and still meet the style expectations?
Stephen selected a range of darker malted millets (Red Wing, Dark Munich and Griffin) along with the base lighter style (Vienna), which when combined deliver a beautiful red colour and malt backbone to the beer. Our brewers have also been experimenting with raw yellow corn which helps improve the body and mouth feel of the beer, and adds a little sweetness while keeping the malt flavours lighter.
How does it taste?
When you pour the beer, the first thing you'll notice is the crisp red colour and creamy foam. The aroma prepares the pallet for what is to come, with notes of currants and biscuit like malt, and perhaps a hint of strawberry on the nose. The first sip brings a malty caramel like sweetness, but doesn't feel too heavy, due to the balanced bitterness from East Kent Golding hops and light body grain bill of malted millets, making for a very sessionable beer.
What does this beer pair well with?
Brewed for slow sips and long chats with mates – after a stroll in the countryside and beside a crackling fire, this beer style is overflowing with comfort and nostalgia for pubs where the whole community gathers to drink beer, share stories and sing songs.
But if your local hasn't got it on tap, it's just as good from a can at home on a wintery day. Muddy boots kicked off, fire lit and footy on the TV with the tuckered out dog sleeping at your feet. Bliss.
What is Gaelic for “cheers”?
Sláinte (pronounced "slawn-che") translates to "health".
Sláinte mhath (pronounced "slawn-che wah"), which means "good health".
Until now, we have not been able to say "good health" with an Irish Red Ale - our brewers are proud to bring you a gluten free Irish Red Ale so everyone can come together to share stories and say "Sláinte mhath" together - to good health and great gluten free beers!
Hear Stephen's story behind Duffy's Irish Red Ale
