About This Beer
Lough Gill Tara Pedro Ximénez Barrel Aged Imperial Stout 33cl 12.4% is a strong, barrel-aged Irish stout from Lough Gill Brewery in Sligo. Featured in the brewery's October 2026 barrel-aged collection, Tara combines a rich imperial stout base with maturation in Pedro Ximénez sherry barrels.
At 12.4% ABV, Tara is a substantial dark beer that explores the relationship between roasted malt and the distinctive character of Spanish fortified wine.
Pedro Ximénez, often abbreviated to PX, is a sweet style of sherry traditionally produced in southern Spain. The wine is known for its concentrated character, with flavours commonly associated with raisins, figs, dates, treacle and dark caramel.
These characteristics make PX barrels particularly interesting for ageing strong dark beers.
Imperial stout provides a suitable foundation for this approach. Its substantial malt character can include flavours reminiscent of dark chocolate, coffee and toasted grain, while its elevated alcohol strength allows the beer to develop complexity during maturation.
When an imperial stout is aged in barrels previously used for Pedro Ximénez sherry, the interaction between the beer, oak and previous wine contents can introduce additional dimensions to the finished beer.
Tara is part of Lough Gill's established range of barrel-aged stouts, which explores how different cask types influence strong dark beers.
This October 2026 edition is presented in a 33cl can at 12.4% ABV. It should not be confused with the brewery's separate two-year-aged Tara anniversary release, which is 12.9% ABV and has undergone an extended maturation period.
The distinction is important for enthusiasts interested in comparing different expressions of the same beer.
While both releases explore Pedro Ximénez barrel ageing, their different maturation histories provide an opportunity to consider how time spent in wood can influence a strong stout.
For anyone exploring the more complex side of Irish craft beer, Tara offers an interesting example of how traditional imperial stout can be developed through fortified wine barrel maturation.
Tasting Notes
Appearance: Deep brown to black, characteristic of a strong imperial stout.
Aroma: Roasted malt with potential dried-fruit, dark caramel and sherry-influenced characteristics associated with Pedro Ximénez barrels.
Taste: Rich roasted malt character, with dark chocolate and coffee-like flavours potentially complemented by the raisin and treacle notes commonly associated with PX sherry.
Mouthfeel: Full-bodied and substantial, with a rounded texture and warming character consistent with its 12.4% 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, including contemporary hop-forward styles, traditional dark ales and experimental barrel-aged releases.
The brewery has developed a particularly interesting approach to strong dark beer, exploring the influence of different barrel types and maturation techniques.
Its October 2026 barrel-aged collection includes beers matured in Irish whiskey, bourbon, Scotch whisky and fortified wine barrels, allowing enthusiasts to compare how different casks can influence imperial stout.
Tara represents the Pedro Ximénez sherry barrel-aged expression within this collection.
The use of PX barrels reflects a broader tradition of ageing strong beers in casks previously used for wine or spirits. These barrels can contribute flavours associated with their former contents, while the wood itself can influence the beer during maturation.
Lough Gill's exploration of different cask types is particularly interesting because it allows similar beer styles to develop distinct characteristics through the choice of barrel.
The brewery also produces a special two-year-aged version of Tara for its tenth anniversary in 2026, demonstrating how extended maturation can become an important part of the creative process.
For enthusiasts of strong dark beers, these releases provide an opportunity to explore different expressions of barrel-aged imperial stout from an independent Irish brewery.
Discover more beers from breweries around the country in our Irish craft beer selection.
Food Pairings
Lough Gill Tara is particularly well suited to rich desserts and intensely flavoured foods that can complement its roasted malt character and Pedro Ximénez barrel influence.
Dark chocolate desserts are an excellent starting point. A flourless chocolate cake, chocolate truffles or a rich brownie can complement the cocoa-like characteristics commonly associated with imperial stout.
Sticky toffee pudding is another appealing option. Its caramelised sweetness works naturally alongside the dried-fruit and treacle characteristics traditionally associated with PX sherry.
Christmas pudding or a rich fruitcake can also provide an interesting pairing, particularly where raisins, dates and figs are prominent.
For a savoury option, try mature blue cheese. Its saltiness and intensity can provide a contrast to the richness of a strong imperial stout.
Slow-braised beef or beef cheeks are also worth considering, particularly when prepared with a rich, reduced sauce that can stand alongside the substantial character of the beer.
Serve Tara at approximately 12–14°C in a tulip glass or snifter, allowing the beer to warm gradually and reveal more of its aromatic character.
Try More Like This
If you enjoy Lough Gill Tara, explore our Stout & Porter collection for more imperial stouts, barrel-aged beers and other rich, dark styles.
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 beer 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.