About This Beer
Lough Gill Spear Irish Whiskey Barrel Aged Imperial Oatmeal Stout 33cl 13% is a strong, barrel-aged Irish stout from Lough Gill Brewery in Sligo. Featured in the brewery's October 2026 barrel-aged collection, Spear combines an imperial oatmeal stout base with maturation in Irish whiskey barrels.
At 13% ABV, Spear is a substantial dark beer that brings together two distinctly Irish traditions: stout brewing and whiskey maturation.
Imperial oatmeal stout builds upon the familiar characteristics of stout but with greater strength, body and malt intensity. The use of oats is particularly important to the style, contributing a smoother texture and fuller mouthfeel than might otherwise be achieved through barley malt alone.
Dark roasted malts provide the foundation for the beer's flavour, with characteristics commonly associated with coffee, cocoa, dark chocolate and toasted grain.
The second defining feature of Spear is its maturation in Irish whiskey barrels.
Wooden barrels previously used for whiskey can retain characteristics from both the oak and the spirit they once contained. When a strong stout is matured in these casks, the beer may develop additional complexity through its interaction with the wood and residual whiskey character.
Irish whiskey barrel ageing is particularly appropriate for a beer from an independent brewery in Sligo, connecting modern Irish craft brewing with the country's established whiskey heritage.
Unlike bourbon barrel-aged stouts, which are often associated with pronounced vanilla and sweet oak characteristics, Irish whiskey barrels can offer a different expression depending on their previous use and maturation history.
Spear is presented in a 33cl can, making it a convenient format for exploring a high-strength stout.
It also forms part of Lough Gill's October 2026 collection, which includes several distinct barrel-aged beers exploring the influence of different casks.
For enthusiasts of Irish craft beer, Spear offers an interesting combination of traditional stout ingredients, substantial strength and whiskey barrel maturation.
Tasting Notes
Appearance: Deep brown to black, characteristic of imperial stout, with the potential for a dark tan head.
Aroma: Roasted malt with possible notes of coffee, cocoa, oak and vanilla associated with the stout base and Irish whiskey barrel ageing.
Taste: Rich roasted malt character, with dark chocolate and coffee-like flavours potentially complemented by warming whiskey and toasted oak influences.
Mouthfeel: Full-bodied and rounded, with oats contributing to a smooth texture and a warming character consistent with its 13% 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 diverse selection of beers, ranging from contemporary hop-forward styles to strong dark ales and experimental barrel-aged releases.
The brewery has developed a particularly interesting approach to imperial stout, exploring how different ingredients, barrel types and maturation techniques can influence the character of strong dark beer.
Its October 2026 barrel-aged stout collection showcases several distinct approaches to maturation, including Irish whiskey, bourbon, Scotch whisky and fortified wine barrels.
Spear represents the Irish whiskey barrel-aged expression within this collection.
Its imperial oatmeal stout base also distinguishes it from some of the brewery's other dark releases. Oats are particularly valued in brewing for their contribution to texture, making them well suited to strong stouts where body and smoothness are important.
By combining oatmeal stout with Irish whiskey barrels, Lough Gill creates a beer that draws on established brewing traditions while exploring the possibilities of modern barrel ageing.
The brewery's willingness to experiment with different cask types provides an opportunity for enthusiasts to compare how barrel selection can influence otherwise similar beer styles.
Explore more beers from independent breweries across the country in our Irish craft beer collection.
Food Pairings
Lough Gill Spear is particularly well suited to rich, intensely flavoured foods that can complement its roasted malt character and substantial strength.
Dark chocolate desserts are an excellent starting point. A flourless chocolate cake, chocolate truffles or a rich brownie can complement the cocoa and roasted malt characteristics commonly associated with imperial stout.
Sticky toffee pudding is another appealing option. Its caramelised sweetness offers an interesting contrast to the roasted character of the beer, while potentially complementing influences from the whiskey barrels.
For a savoury pairing, consider slow-braised beef, beef cheeks or a rich beef stew. These dishes have enough depth and intensity to stand alongside a strong barrel-aged stout.
Mature cheddar or blue cheese can also work well. Their pronounced flavours provide a contrast to the richness of the beer, while the saltiness can help balance the roasted malt character.
For a particularly Irish combination, try Spear alongside a whiskey-infused chocolate dessert or a rich chocolate cake served with cream.
Serve Spear at approximately 12–14°C in a tulip glass or snifter. Allowing the beer to warm gradually can help reveal more of its aroma and complexity.
Try More Like This
If you enjoy Lough Gill Spear, explore our Stout & Porter collection for more imperial stouts, oatmeal 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 editions 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.