About This Beer
Wicklow Wolf Slaughter Hill Black IPA 44cl 6.66% is a limited-edition Irish Black IPA from Wicklow Wolf Brewing Company in Newtownmountkennedy, County Wicklow. Released as Endangered Species No. 71, Slaughter Hill combines the roasted malt characteristics of dark beer with the bright, assertive hop flavours of an India Pale Ale.
The beer takes its name and inspiration from a local legend associated with an old route into the Wicklow Mountains.
From the brewery, a road climbs into the surrounding hills. Once known as Slí Uachtar, or the Upper Way, it is said to be travelled by a mysterious black wolf after darkness falls.
According to the story, anyone who encounters the wolf should allow it to pass. Following it or looking back is strongly discouraged.
Wicklow Wolf has taken this atmospheric piece of local folklore and transformed it into a beer that reflects the darker side of its brewing imagination.
Slaughter Hill pours jet black with a deep ruby glow, immediately establishing its distinctive appearance.
The aroma brings together roasted coffee, toasted caramel and dark chocolate, reflecting the influence of dark malts.
On the palate, rich malt sweetness is balanced by a clean roasted character. Citrus zest, tropical fruit and resinous pine then introduce the bright hop flavours that distinguish Black IPA from more conventional dark beer styles.
A lingering bitterness completes the experience, reinforcing its identity as an IPA despite its stout-like appearance.
Black IPA, sometimes referred to as Cascadian Dark Ale, is a style that combines the colour and roasted malt characteristics of dark beer with the assertive hop aroma and bitterness associated with IPA.
The challenge for brewers is balancing these contrasting elements. Too much roasted malt can overwhelm the hops, while excessive hop bitterness can clash with the darker grain character.
Slaughter Hill brings both sides together, offering coffee, caramel and chocolate alongside citrus, tropical fruit and pine.
At 6.66% ABV, the beer's strength also contributes to its deliberately dark identity.
Presented in a 44cl can, Slaughter Hill is an interesting choice for drinkers who enjoy both dark beers and hop-forward styles.
Explore more hop-led releases in our IPA & Pale Ale collection.
Tasting Notes
Appearance: Jet black with a deep ruby glow.
Aroma: Roasted coffee, toasted caramel and dark chocolate.
Taste: Rich malt sweetness and clean roasted character, balanced by citrus zest, tropical fruit and resinous pine, with a lingering hop bitterness.
Mouthfeel: A substantial malt presence balanced by the refreshing hop character and bitterness associated with Black IPA.
About the Brewery
Wicklow Wolf Brewing Company is an independent Irish craft brewery based in Moneycarroll, Newtownmountkennedy, County Wicklow.
Founded in 2014, the brewery has built its identity around independent brewing, sustainability and a close connection to the natural environment of County Wicklow.
Its philosophy, Independent by Nature, reflects both its approach to brewing and its commitment to operating responsibly.
Wicklow Wolf produces a diverse range of beers, including pale ales, IPAs, lagers, red ales, stouts and experimental limited releases.
The brewery also operates its own hop farm in County Wicklow, allowing it to explore the relationship between locally grown ingredients, the surrounding landscape and the beers it produces.
Sustainability is an important part of the brewery's identity. Its production facility incorporates solar panels, while its wider environmental initiatives reflect an ongoing commitment to reducing its impact.
In September 2024, Wicklow Wolf became a Certified B Corporation, recognising its commitment to independently assessed standards of social and environmental performance, accountability and transparency.
Alongside its core range, the brewery produces the Endangered Species series.
These limited-edition releases provide an opportunity to experiment with different styles, ingredients and brewing approaches.
Slaughter Hill is Endangered Species No. 71, following a tradition of beers that often draw inspiration from Irish landscapes, local stories and unusual flavour combinations.
Its connection to Slí Uachtar and the legend of the black wolf gives the beer a particularly strong sense of place.
The Black IPA style also demonstrates the brewery's willingness to explore the space between established beer categories, bringing together the roasted character of dark malt and the aromatic intensity of modern hops.
Discover more independent breweries and limited-edition releases in our Irish craft beer collection.
Food Pairings
Wicklow Wolf Slaughter Hill Black IPA is particularly well suited to foods that complement both its roasted malt character and its assertive hop bitterness.
Barbecued beef burgers are an excellent starting point. The caramelised exterior of the meat works naturally with the beer's roasted malt flavours, while the citrus and pine hop character provides a contrasting freshness.
Chargrilled steak is another appealing option, particularly when served with roasted mushrooms or peppercorn sauce.
Smoked barbecue dishes, including pulled pork or slow-cooked beef brisket, also make interesting pairings. The smoky, caramelised flavours complement the darker malt characteristics, while the hop bitterness helps balance the richness.
For something different, try a mushroom and blue cheese burger. The earthy mushrooms and strong cheese provide enough flavour intensity to stand alongside the beer.
Mature cheddar is another excellent option, with its savoury richness providing a contrast to the citrus and resinous hop character.
Dark chocolate can also make an interesting pairing, particularly when the chocolate has a slightly bitter cocoa profile rather than excessive sweetness.
Serve Slaughter Hill at approximately 8–12°C in an IPA glass or tulip glass. This allows the roasted malt aromas and hop character to develop without serving the beer excessively cold.
Try More Like This
If you enjoy Wicklow Wolf Slaughter Hill, explore our IPA & Pale Ale collection for more hop-forward beers, including West Coast IPAs, hazy IPAs and other modern interpretations of India Pale Ale.
For beers with darker roasted malt character, browse our Stout & Porter collection.
You can also discover more releases from independent breweries in our Irish craft beer range, or explore the complete Craft Beer & Craft Cider selection.
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.