Emerald Cliffs Irish Dry by Athletic Brewing Company is an enjoyable non-alcoholic Irish stout that will outlast the colder season for it is light and unassuming. This nonalcoholic dry stout is ever so slightly bitter with solid coffee notes and some chocolate, enveloped in mildly roasted barley. There’s a very slight acidity and a dry wood finish. Quite pleasant and easy to drink. This will be a favorite among Guinness Draught lovers (see my review of the Guinness 0 in a taste test with regular Guinness Draught).
I seriously hope this batch of Emerald Cliffs was merely a teaser. It sold out way too fast. (I ordered three 6-packs within the past two weeks). Saint Patrick’s Day is only a month away, and this Irish dry promises to be a real crowd-pleaser for the occasion.
I did some digging on emeralds as well, wondering how Athletic might have arrived at that name.
Emerald gemstones are known as the jewels of kings (no pun intended). They’ve become associated with balance, wisdom and royalty. Apparently, Cleopatra was fond of them and would adorn herself with emeralds. And legend has it that emerald was one of four precious stones given by God to King Solomon. Who knew?!
Ireland is called the Emerald Isle because of the country’s lush greenery. Grass and moss seem to cover its countryside like a dense carpet. One of Ireland’s most popular geological features are the Cliffs of Moher. Perhaps that’s how Athletic came up with the name: Emerald Cliffs. The Cliffs of Moher visitor center looks like a scene from Lord of the Rings with its building nestled into a hillside like the home of Bilbo Baggins.
My husband, Grice Mulligan, is exceedingly fond of stouts. He's tried every stout he's ever seen on a menu, and he'll try any stout you can recommend. Grice also happens to be of Irish descent. He’s a huge fan of Guinness 0 and agrees that Emerald Cliffs is quite good!
As good as Guinness 0? You'll have to wait to find out: he and I will be performing a side-by-side taste test of Guinness Draught, Guinness 0, Emerald Cliffs, and several other N/A and alcoholic stouts in an upcoming review.
Sláinte (pronounced: “slawn-che”) means health in Irish Gaelic. It is one way to say cheers when you’re in Ireland, or anywhere else, at least on St. Patrick’s day.