About This Beer
Lough Gill Ogham Double Chocolate Barrel Aged Stout 33cl 13.7% is a chocolate-focused, barrel-aged Irish stout from Lough Gill Brewery in Sligo. Featured in the brewery's October 2026 barrel-aged collection, Ogham brings together chocolate, cocoa and a powerful dark beer base to create an indulgent release with considerable strength.
At 13.7% ABV, Ogham is a substantial stout designed for slow enjoyment. Its double chocolate concept makes it particularly appealing to drinkers who enjoy the intersection of roasted malt, cocoa and dessert-inspired flavours.
Chocolate and stout have a long-established relationship. Dark malts can develop flavours reminiscent of bitter chocolate, coffee and toasted grain during the roasting process. These characteristics provide a natural foundation for beers that incorporate chocolate and cocoa as additional ingredients.
Ogham builds on this foundation with a double chocolate approach. The brewery's 2026 release information specifically identifies both chocolate and cocoa, making these ingredients central to the beer's identity.
Barrel ageing introduces a further element. Maturing a strong stout in wood can contribute additional complexity, depending on the type of barrel, its previous contents and the length of maturation. The specific cask type used for Ogham has not been confirmed in the supplied release information.
The beer's name also has an Irish cultural connection. Ogham is an early medieval alphabet most famously preserved in inscriptions carved into standing stones throughout Ireland. Its distinctive arrangement of lines and notches makes it one of the most recognisable writing systems associated with early Irish history.
For a brewery based in Sligo, a county rich in archaeological heritage, the name provides a fitting identity for a distinctive Irish dark beer.
Available in a 33cl can, Ogham is part of Lough Gill's October 2026 collection, which explores a range of barrel-aged stouts with different ingredients and maturation influences.
Discover more strong dark beers in our Stout & Porter collection.
Tasting Notes
Appearance: Expected to pour deep brown to black, characteristic of a strong dark stout.
Aroma: Chocolate and cocoa are central to the beer's concept, with roasted malt providing a complementary dark, toasted character.
Taste: A chocolate-led profile built around cocoa and roasted malt, with barrel ageing potentially introducing further complexity.
Mouthfeel: Expected to be full-bodied and substantial, with a warming character consistent with its 13.7% ABV.
About the Brewery
Lough Gill Brewery is an independent Irish craft brewery based in Sligo, in the northwest of Ireland. Named after nearby Lough Gill, the brewery produces a varied range of beers, including contemporary hop-forward styles, strong dark ales and experimental barrel-aged releases.
The brewery's barrel-aged stout collection showcases its interest in exploring how different ingredients and maturation techniques can influence powerful dark beers.
Its October 2026 range includes releases matured in Irish whiskey, bourbon, Scotch whisky and fortified wine barrels, alongside dessert-inspired beers featuring ingredients such as chocolate, coffee and warming spices.
Ogham represents the chocolate-focused side of this collection. Rather than relying solely on the chocolate-like flavours that can develop naturally from roasted malt, the beer incorporates chocolate and cocoa into its recipe.
This approach places Ogham within the wider tradition of modern dessert-inspired stouts, where brewers build upon established dark beer styles with ingredients more commonly associated with confectionery and baking.
The strength of the beer is also significant. At 13.7% ABV, Ogham sits well above the alcohol strength of an everyday stout, making it more suitable for slow sipping and occasional enjoyment.
For anyone exploring the diversity of Irish craft beer, Lough Gill's experimental dark beers offer an interesting contrast to more traditional Irish stout styles.
Food Pairings
Lough Gill Ogham is particularly well suited to chocolate-based desserts, where its cocoa-focused concept can complement the flavours of the food.
Dark chocolate brownies are an excellent starting point. Their dense texture and rich cocoa character make them a natural partner for a strong chocolate stout.
A flourless chocolate cake is another appealing option, particularly one made with high-cocoa-content chocolate. The combination allows the chocolate character of the beer and dessert to take centre stage.
Chocolate truffles, especially those with a dark chocolate ganache, provide a smaller but equally indulgent pairing. Their concentrated flavour is well suited to a strong beer served in modest quantities.
For something different, try a chocolate and raspberry dessert. The fruit's acidity can provide a contrast to the richness associated with chocolate and roasted malt.
Mature blue cheese also offers an interesting savoury alternative. Its saltiness and intensity can stand alongside the substantial character of a barrel-aged stout.
Serve Ogham at approximately 12–14°C in a tulip glass or snifter. Allowing a strong stout to warm gradually can help reveal more of its aromatic complexity.
Try More Like This
If you enjoy Lough Gill Ogham, explore our Stout & Porter collection for more imperial stouts, chocolate stouts and other rich, dark beers.
For more releases from independent breweries around Ireland, browse our Irish craft beer selection.
You can also discover our complete Craft Beer & Craft Cider range, featuring traditional styles, limited releases and experimental beers from Ireland and around the world.
Shop the best of craft beer Ireland and from around the world online with TheCru.ie or in our Dublin craft beer store, Carry Out Tyrrelstown in Dublin 15.