I like surprises. Especially beer surprises.

I got one recently that grew up in to my latest Vue Weekly column (which you can read here). While perusing the new arrivals shelf of my local beer store, I found a couple of beer from a brewery called Dungarvan Brewing Company. The label indicated they are Irish. Cool. But I had no idea who they were.

On a pure whim I scooped up a bottle of their Copper Coast Irish Red Ale. A few days later I popped open the bottle, poured it into a tulip pint glass and sipped. As I lingered over the first couple tastes, I googled the brewery. I was quite surprised to learn they are a VERY small brewery from Waterford, Ireland and they have been open only five years.

How in heaven’s name did such a small operation find its ways across Alberta’s borders, I asked?

I can’t really answer that question, although I have a suspicion it may have been a one-time trial and we may not see them here for long. What I can say is that the Copper Coast IRA is quite good. The initial taste is fruity with some caramel, although I find it could be a bit fuller. That critique is washed away, however, in the middle palate, where a subtle sharpness builds to balance the sweetness of the first tastes. It finishes moderately dry without losing that caramel, toffee character.

An admirable Irish Red, if you ask me. Drinkable with a careful balance between caramel and fruit and dry hints of roast and subtle touches of hop. I can only imagine how good it would be fresh from the brewery.

In a way I got a double surprise – a pleasant and enjoyable beer from a brewery I had never heard of. My lucky day.