IRELAND IS FAMOUS for one particular kind of beer – but it’s not the black stuff that we’re world-beaters in, according to the World Beer Awards.

A brew from the Franciscan Well brewery in Cork has been named World’s Best Seasonal Pale Ale by judges at the awards in London.

Their Summer Saison ale was victorious in the category – Ireland’s only global winner.

Judges commended the Cork brew’s “yeasty-fruity nose” and also enjoyed its “nice soft fruit flavours” and “lovely finish”.

Franciscan Well founder Shane Long said the award ”really validates the hard work of the guys behind the scenes at the brewery”, adding:

We’re extremely proud to be on the same stage as international brewing legends.

The World Beer Awards take place each year, and are judged by a panel of 50 brewers, industry reps and journalists in a blind tasting.

The overall winner was another pale ale, the Fish Tale Ales Beyond The Pale Ale from the US. (The US also claimed Best Stout and Porter, with the Deschutes Obsidian Stout from Oregon taking the prize.)

The Franciscan Well brewery has been a Cork landmark since its foundation in 1998. It was bought by international brewing giant Molson Coors in 2013.

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