Ring of Dingle

The Ring of Kerry is a popular, circular tourist route in southwestern Ireland.  Just north of the Ring of Kerry is the Dingle Peninsula, containing the town of Dingle.  On that peninsula is the Slea Head Drive, a circular route starting and ending in Dingle, and therefore sometimes called the "Ring of Dingle"; a less tourist-clogged alternative to the Ring of Kerry.

Sun King's Ring of Dingle is an Irish Dry Stout with 4.8% ABV and 34 IBU.

I enjoyed Ring of Dingle served from a can (with the new, improved label!), and it was a very dark brown.  The thick, tan head had fairly good retention.  Roasted malt flavors are predominant, with some chocolate flavors and sweetness as well.  Ring of Dingle has a dry finish, as you would expect from the style.  The carbonation was fairly light, and it had a medium body.

I've always been somewhat partial to Irish Dry Stouts, so it will be no surprise that I enjoyed Ring of Dingle.  Overall, it was an enjoyable stout, and I grab at least one 4-pack every February.

The Big Guy: I love this dry crisp Irish stout. It pours out almost black with a really nice tan head that builds up well in the glass. It's got a great big roasty flavor packed into a nice low ABV beer. So often we sacrifice flavor for session-ability, not so with the Ring of Dingle. It is dark with hints of unsweetened chocolate and roasted malts. There is just a bit of sweetness to balance it all out and basically no hop flavor. It's a really impressive session beer and I give it a solid 4. My only complaint is that it comes out so early, you have to stock up to make sure you have some of this left over for St. Patrick's Day!