The Underworld series of native Irish beers was born out of our quest for adventure, our sense of history and our respect for tradition. The story begins way back in 2017 where an idea became a plan and an experiment became an adventure. We called it the Wild Yeast Chase and it gave us the “Underworld Series of Beers”
Where did the Underworld name come from?
Our Underworld beers are fermented with a wild, native yeast strain, harvested from Oweynagat Cave, Co. Roscommon. This dark and foreboding cave is widely believed to have been the site of the first Samhain celebrations. To add more seasonal authenticity to this origin story, the native yeast was gathered on October 31st 2017 on the feast of Samhain and Halloween. Befitting its wild origins, and the place where we found it, we called our native yeast Morrigan 1 after the legendary shape-shifting warrior goddess who once inhabited the cave. Oweynagat, or Cave of the Cats, was thought to be the “Gate to Hell” or entrance to the Underworld in Irish mythology. Learn more about the Origins of Halloween in Roscommon.
Native Irish Beer
The native Irish yeast paired with the finest Irish malting barley reintroduces unique, local provenance in Irish brewing. This unique provenance makes Underworld possibly the most Irish beer you can get. Discover the taste of Underworld for yourself in our limited edition Samhain Underworld gift pack.
Underworld Beer Art
Ancient tales and stories of Queen Medb and the warrior Goddess Mórrígan inspired the beer label designs and the Underworld artwork. The Underworld logo was inspired by the entrance to Oweynagat cave. Each Underworld beer is represented by an animal connected to the legendary cave, with its accompanying backstory on the label. They were designed by Roscommon creative Dimple Design.
Underworld Savage
Savage is our 5.6% ABV native Irish Saison style with aromas of candied citrus, blackberries, yeast and malt. It is dry with flavours of lemon zest, forest fruits and funky wild yeast spice. It has a delicious clean lingering bitterness. As a food accompaniment, it is an extremely versatile farmhouse ale. In 2020, Underworld Savage won a gold medal at the international beer challenge awards.
“A legendary shapeshifter was the goddess Morrigan. After the warrior Cú Chulainn repeatedly rejected her advances, she assumed the form of a crow, and alighted on his shoulder as he lay dying on the battlefield. Together at last! That same crow represents Underworld Savage; native Irish ale fermented with “Morrigan 1”, our wild Irish yeast.”
Underworld Allta
Allta is our 4.6% ABV pale ale which embraces new world hops in balanced synchronicity. With a hoppy aroma, flavours of citrus, resin and yeast spice. Allta pairs well with pizza, grilled chicken, zesty salads and other mature hard cheeses.
“Her romantic notions spurned, the outraged goddess Morrigan unleashed her fury. Taking the form of a silver wolf she caused a cattle stampede, aimed squarely at the object of her unrequited desire, Cú Chulainn. She missed! That same wolf represents Underworld Allta; native Irish ale exclusively fermented with “Morrigan 1”, our wild Irish yeast.”
Underworld Rua
Rua is our 6% ABV native amber ale with rich Irish and Belgian malts combining to deliver a full, rounded maltiness. Notes of candy sugar and stone fruit, couple with the spiciness of Morrigan 1, our unique wild Irish yeast. Pairs great with hearty dishes, this brew also holds its own with the spiciest foods, Thai, Vietnamese, Mexican and Sichuan. Go ahead turn up the heat.
“Like a Red mist, a flock of birds poured from Oweynagat cave every Samhain, withering every plant they breathed on. The growing season was done and a lean winter lay ahead. Samhain first celebrated at Oweynagat, is today better known as halloween. Those same red birds represent Underworld Rua; native Irish ale exclusively fermented with “Morrigan 1”, our wild Irish yeast.”
Discover your taste for the Underworld at Black Donkey Brewing!
The first Underworld series beer was released in 2018, before the series was expanded and rebranded for its full launch in 2021. Celebrate the change of seasons with our limited edition Samhain Underworld gift pack. We’ve been brewing without boundaries since 2014 in Ballinlough, Co. Roscommon. Our beers are never filtered, never pasteurised and always independent. You can get your hands on our beers from your quality local stockist or you can purchase directly from the brewery at our webshop.
Handmade, real Irish Beer from Roscommon!
2 Comments