Beer of the Week: Beoir Dearg

The founder of North Park’s Barley & Sword Brewing really sticks to his guns. Not only is his beer board stocked exclusively with Old World styles which are (sadly) less popular than the hop-bombs and crushies that make up the vast majority of most modern breweries’ portfolios, but he endeavors to share the history behind each of those ales and lagers in as many ways possible. That includes names that are both different and challenging. Take, for instance, the moniker of this week’s featured beer, Barley & Sword’s Irish red ale. Selected for its adherence to style guidelines and appropriateness for Monday’s (not to mention this weekend’s) St. Patrick’s Day festivities, it is, in my opinion, the most difficult beer name to pronounce in all of San Diego County. Need proof? Allow me to share a moment from the 2024 San Diego Beer News Awards. (Author’s Note: this year’s ceremony will take place on the evening of Tuesday, March 25 at Societe Brewing in Kearny Mesa, and is free to attend and open to the public.) GOAL. Brewing Head Brewer Derek Gallanosa took the stage to read off the top vote-getters in the U.K. or Irish Ale category. No sooner had he opened the envelope containing the winners than did he find himself completely stumped by not one, but two seemingly nonsensical strings of vowels. “Be-aye-er Dee-urg?” It was a valiant attempt at the Gaelics’ term for “red beer”, Beoir Dearg. Howell is kind enough to provide the pronunciation of the name on the can containing the beer – (BYOR-eh JYARK’ek) – but if anything, it only increases the probability of me flubbing it. So, rather than fixate on that, I’ll simply say “what’s in a name?” and focus on what’s in the glass. In this case, a crimson-hued ale with caramel character veering into toffee territory and a tea-like earthiness brought on a traditional European hop bill. One couldn’t ask for a more traditional beverage to quaff on March 17, although a name that rolls more easily off the tongue seems like a reasonable ask.

Beoir Dearg is our Irish-style red ale. As with all of our beers, I wrote this recipe with the history of the style in mind, keeping it as authentic as possible. It has a rich red color that harmonizes with the caramel notes and a foundation of toast and malt flavors. There is a mild bitterness that presents with an earthy quality that will leave you thinking of the Irish countryside…provided you’ve been there, of course. This beer is certainly one of my favorites and one that I am incredibly proud of.”

Mike Howell, Owner & Brewer, Barley & Sword Brewing

Barley & Sword Brewing is located inside the CRAFT by Brewery Igniter facility at 3052 El Cajon Boulevard, Suite 102 in North Park