Steph’s New Brew Review: Conway’s Irish Ale

Great Lakes Brewing Company Conway’s Irish Ale, a 6.5% ABV Irish-Style Ale

Great Lakes Brewing Company opened on September 6, 1988 by brothers Patrick and Daniel Conway in Cleveland’s historic Ohio City neighborhood, becoming Ohio’s first craft brewery.

In 1992, they expanded to the adjacent Fries & Scheule Building, and in 1998 they moved into what now consists of six buildings. During 2010 and 2011 they invested $7 million to improve the brewery. They now produce over 125,000 barrels each year and serve 13 states and Washington D.C.

Conway’s Irish Ale pays homage to Patrick Conway, a Cleveland police officer and the grandfather to the co-founders of Great Lakes Brewing Company. Conway directed traffic for 25 years near the brewery. Great Lakes says that this beer is a toast to all the hometown heroes that make Cleveland a great place to live.

Conway was a “meat and potatoes kind of guy,” and this typical ruby-red, toasty Irish brew would pair perfectly with that type of meal. Great Lakes recommends pairing this brew with corned beef, shepherd’s pie, and stews.

Six time winner of the gold medal at the World Beer Championships, Conway’s Irish Ale is brewed in keeping with the Bavarian Purity Law of 1516, using only barley, hops, yeast and water with no chemicals or preservatives. The recipe includes Harrington 2-Row Base Malt and Crystal 77 with Northern Brewer, Mt. Hood, and Willamette hops. This seasonal brew is available beginning in January each year.

Appearance

Clear amber color with a creamy white heady.

Aroma

Toasted malts, caramel notes.

Taste

Caramel, bready, a touch of sweetness, slightly bitter.

Mouthfeel

Medium-bodied, smooth. Finishes clean.

Overall

Clean, crisp, and refreshing. A solid representation of the style. This is a great beer to pair with a meal, and it is extremely drinkable. Thanks, Bill for sharing this beer with me!

Wanna pick this one up? Click here to find Great Lakes in your area.
Check out… this company video from GLBC.