Discover Rare, Hybrid & Flavoured Beers – From Barleywine to Ginger Beer

Not every beer fits neatly into a traditional style, and that’s what makes this section so exciting. Here you’ll find bold and unusual brews that step outside the mainstream — from high-ABV Barleywines and historic Braggots to spiced Ginger Beers, refreshing Radlers, and seasonal one-offs.

Whether you're after something strong and complex or light and quirky, this is where you'll find rare craft beer styles from Ireland and beyond — all available for delivery across Ireland or Click & Collect in Dublin 15.

Not every beer fits neatly into a standard style — and that’s what makes this section so exciting. At TheCru.ie, we’ve curated a rotating range of unusual, seasonal, and heritage beer styles for adventurous drinkers looking to go beyond the usual IPAs and lagers.

From high-ABV Barleywines and Scottish-style Wee Heavys to spiced Ginger Beers and historic Braggots, this is your gateway to truly distinctive craft beers from Ireland and beyond — all available for nationwide delivery.

Featured Styles You’ll Find Here

Rare & Strong Ale Styles

• Barleywine – Big, bold, and complex. Choose between American-style Barleywine (hoppy and robust) or malt-forward English versions. Ideal for sipping and ageing.

• Dark Mild – A classic English low-ABV ale full of roasted, nutty character with a smooth finish.

• Braggot – A hybrid of beer and mead, brewed with malt and honey. Rich, sweet, and perfect for slow sipping.

Historical & Hybrid Styles

• Wee Heavy – A strong Scottish-style ale with deep malt flavour and a warming, boozy finish.

• Kentucky Common – A pre-Prohibition American style brewed with corn and a slightly tart tang.

• Wheat Wine – Similar to Barleywine but brewed with a high percentage of wheat. Full-bodied and smooth.

Flavoured & Adjunct-Based Beers

• Ginger Beer – Refreshing and spicy, often used in mixers or enjoyed on its own. We stock both alcoholic and non-alcoholic options from names like Crabbie’s and Fentimans.

• Radler – Light, citrusy, and low in alcohol — perfect for summer days or session drinking.

Buy Unique Craft Beers Online – Delivered Across Ireland

Looking to buy ginger beer online or try something truly different like Barleywine in Ireland? You’re in the right place. We deliver across the country with fast dispatch from our Dublin base, or you can Click & Collect from our store in Dublin 15.

Or, if you’d rather leave it to the experts, try our craft beer subscription — we often include offbeat or seasonal styles in each month’s selection.

What is Barleywine?
Barleywine is a strong ale with high alcohol content, usually between 8–12%. These beers are bold and complex — American Barleywines tend to be hoppier and more bitter, while English versions are richer and maltier. They’re best sipped slowly, especially in colder weather.

Is ginger beer alcoholic?
It depends on the brand. Some are brewed with alcohol, like Crabbie’s Ginger Beer, while others are alcohol-free like Fentimans Ginger Beer. Always check the product description before adding to your basket.

What exactly is a Braggot?
Braggot is a historic hybrid of beer and mead. It’s brewed with both malted grains and honey, giving it a sweet, smooth, and slightly warming finish — great for sipping on its own.

What’s the difference between a Wee Heavy and a Barleywine?
Both are strong and malt-forward, but Wee Heavys are traditional Scottish ales with less alcohol and more caramelised richness, while Barleywines are stronger and often bolder in flavour.

Can I order rare and hybrid beer styles for delivery in Ireland?
Yes! We offer nationwide delivery across Ireland — or you can Click & Collect from our Dublin 15 location. These beers are packaged carefully and usually ship within a few working days.

What’s the best unusual beer to try first?
If you’re just starting to explore this category, try a radler — it’s light, zesty, and easy drinking. For something richer, go with a dark mild or barleywine. Fancy something quirky? Braggot is a great talking point for any tasting.

Do you include these styles in your beer subscription?
Often, yes. We like to include limited releases and unusual styles like Dark Mild, Wheat Wine, or seasonal Barleywines in our monthly craft beer boxes.