There is an old saying that 'you can't choose your family', but one thing we can choose is our beer, and choose it well we do.
We've discovered one family dedicating their lives to bringing about the best beverages this country has ever had the pleasure of putting to their lips. A family that isn't short of a character or two...
Like the majority of households round the country, the recession hit the McGargles, but they didn't take it lying down and instead an idea brewed... in a bathtub on an island off the Irish coast called Leannclann.
The McGargles a.k.a the legends of Leannclann have been making their own home brew for a few years now (using two bathtubs for health and safety reasons), reminding us that two
bathtubs heads are better than one. As a family unit they're undeniably dysfunctional but together they're a recipe for success (or at least their beer is).
Anyway, what Irish family isn't a little funny?
McGargles family life is chaotic but thankfully they don't take themselves too seriously, Her.ie sat down to transport these country bumpkins from the sticks into the 21st Century.
The McGargle clan consists of Granny Mary, Papa Joe, Gravy Maevey and Knock Knock Ned. Sadly due to one or two issues (egos) we were unable to have the four together in one room but we did manage to catch up with them individually to chat about the McGargles brand and find out what was what.
First up was the fierce matriarch of the clan, Granny Mary. A woman of very few words, that likes to give orders from the comfort of her rocking chair and has a temper as fiery as her malt-driven red ale. It’s said that Mary once knocked a fly off a cows arse with half a glance.
The man of mystery and master brewer Papa Joe made a rare appearance for our interview. Whoever said dog was man's best friend clearly didn't meet 'Gob', Joe's bird that accompanies him wherever he goes. The pair pass the day by travelling around searching for the best ingredients for Papa Joe's Special Brew, (which is quite hard to come by as his 'taster' measurements are said to be quite the bath-full).
Lady of the manor, Gravy Maevey, is said to have worked hard to earn her nickname. The one thing Maeve loves more than brewing beer is causing trouble in the village. Gravy Maevey got her name because she’s "thick and a bit saucy", just like her Pilsner. Much like her brew she goes with anything (at least that's what Granny Mary told us anyway).
Last but by no means least, Knock Knock Ned. Like his brew, Ned spent years entertaining crews of Merchant Seamen and believe it or not is a world renowned pirate impersonator. Don't let his two wooden legs put you off, this man isn't short of a few gags and is as hoppy as his Indian Pale Ale, and equally as rugged.
There really is no denying that the McGargles are a mad bunch, but if we're honest we could draw a lot of similarities between this family and our own. Probably a few too many.
To find out more about this dysfunctional, yet fully functioning, Irish brewing family make sure to check out
, www.mcgargles.com.
