Brewery Name: Galway Bay Brewery (Collaboration with Mikkeller)
Beer Style: Irish Dry Stout
ABV: 4.8%
Brewed In: Galway / Copenhagen Collaboration

Tasting Notes

Today’s beer is Rán — a collaboration between Galway Bay Brewery and the world-renowned Mikkeller. It’s a modern twist on the traditional Irish Dry Stout, built from a complex recipe of nine different malts and finished with a touch of blackcurrant to add a subtle fruit lift. Expect all the drinkability of a classic stout, but with a little extra character.

Appearance: Jet black with a dense tan head and excellent retention. Smooth and opaque.
Aroma: Roasted malt, cocoa, coffee and subtle berry-like sweetness from the blackcurrant. Light earthy hop notes underneath.
Flavour: Classic Irish stout roastiness upfront — coffee, toasted malt and dark chocolate — followed by a gentle tart-sweet hint of blackcurrant. Balanced bitterness from English hops rounds out the finish, keeping everything crisp and drinkable.
Mouthfeel: Medium-bodied with smooth carbonation. Clean, dry finish with a lingering roasted note. Very sessionable despite its layered malt complexity.

A stout with tradition at its core and a smart modern twist — rich but easy-drinking, perfect for a December evening.

About the Brewery: Galway Bay Brewery

Galway Bay Brewery is one of Ireland’s most influential independent breweries, known for combining classic styles with modern technique and innovation. Founded in 2009, the brewery has grown from a small brewpub operation into a leading craft producer with an award-winning core range and a steady stream of boundary-pushing specials.

This collaboration with Mikkeller came about through Galway Bay’s long-standing friendship with the Danish brewery. Mikkeller’s influence can be felt in the playful layer of blackcurrant and the intricate malt bill, while Galway Bay ensure it stays firmly rooted in the Irish Dry Stout tradition. The result is a beer that feels familiar but fresh — unmistakably Irish, but with a Nordic twist.

If you’d like to explore more beers from Irish producers, browse our
Irish Craft Beer collection.

Style Spotlight: Irish Dry Stout

Irish Dry Stout is one of the country’s most recognisable styles — roasty, smooth and built for drinkability. Less sweet than many modern stouts, the focus is on roasted malt, subtle coffee notes and a clean, dry finish.

Key Characteristics:

• Jet-black appearance with a tan head
• Roast barley, coffee and cocoa flavours
• Medium body
• Low sweetness
• Clean, dry, gently bitter finish

Rán stays true to this tradition while cleverly introducing blackcurrant for a touch of tart fruit complexity and a softer edge to the roast.

If You Like This Beer, You Might Also Enjoy…

Looking for more smooth, roasty options? Visit our
Stout & Porter range

Supporting Irish producers? Explore our
Irish Craft Beer collection

Enjoy modern twists on classics? Try beers in
Other Beer Styles

All perfect options if you enjoy roasty, balanced and characterful dark beers.

Share Your Experience

Enjoying Day 19?

Snap a photo of your Galway Bay × Mikkeller Rán and share it with us — tag @TheCru.ie and use #TheCruIE on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok or YouTube.
We love seeing where everyone is enjoying their Advent beers throughout December!