About an hour outside of Dublin in the heart of Ireland sits a farm that has been family-owned for 13 generations. At first look, this farm looks and feels like any other - mixed farm, with woodland, grass for livestock,  fields of crops etc. And, it is true that owner David Walsh-Kemmis puts on his farming overalls one pant leg at a time just like every other farmer but there's one glaring difference; when he puts on those pants, he then goes out and grows award-winning barley which in turn he uses to brew some of the best emerging craft brews in Ireland. (And I'll be honest the farm looks pretty amazing too but it didn't work with that long-winded joke about a pant leg)

The Ballykilcavan Brewery located in Stradbally, in County Loais, should be circled on every tourist's itinerary map. (They do amazing tours by the way). Most of the beer ingredients are sourced right on the farm including water from their own well, hops from their own garden,  and did we mention their award-winning barley? We'll mention it again. For those who don't know barley is pretty much the main ingredient in that cold, refreshing beverage you're probably drinking right now - beer. 

On today's show we get the fortunate opportunity to sit down with David to talk about the history of the brewery, their beers, what the craft beer scene is like in Ireland as well as a pot filled with gold nuggets of information about everything beer-related on this fine St. Patrick's Day. And don't just take his word for you - the brewery was named the most innovative business of the year in Co. Laois in 2019 and their beers have won six medals in the 2019 Dublin Craft Beer Cup. So, saddle up lad and grab a pint or two and join us for a lovely interview with Ballykilcavan Brewery owner, David Walsh-Kemmis. 

Ballykilcavan Brewery

Website: ballykilcavan.com