Over here at Tun Brewing Company, we love pints with personality. From the light-hearted and easy-going, to those that brood more darkly; and Daradach—our brand-new Irish stout is certainly on the latter end of that scale. The idea around this new creation was born from folklore, a tale of a king’s quest for a mythical brewing vessel. It was made to evoke feelings of intrigue and subtle power.
Daradach doesn’t shout—it simply stands tall, rich and steady. Think roasted coffee, smooth chocolate, and just a touch of toasted grain, with a creamy finish. The kind of beer that has you nodding, smiling, and ordering another round.
But before that first sip, let’s wander back through the stories of Ulster—where kings and warriors dined, drank and bellowed, and one fabled boiler became the heart of legend.
The Legend of the Daradach
The Ulster Cycle of Irish mythology brims with heroes: Cú Chulainn, Deirdre of the Sorrows, and the formidable Conchobar Mac Nessa, king of Ulster. Conchobar’s reign was marked not only by war and wisdom but also by celebration. For what is a king without his feast?
The tale tells that Conchobar sought a brewing vessel like no other—a mighty boiler forged of oak and bound in bronze, capable of crafting ale worthy of warriors and poets alike. This cauldron was called the Daradach, and it became the heart of the king’s gatherings, the symbol of hospitality, camaraderie, and the unbreakable bonds between kin.
We wanted to bring a taste of this old legend into modernity as a reminder that, while times and tools change, the soul of beer remains eternal: a crafted drink that gathers people together.
So today, our Daradach stout pays tribute to that legendary vessel.
Brewing a Modern Legend
Every stout has its secrets. For Daradach, the magic begins with a trio of carefully chosen malts:
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Maris Otter Malted Barley – A classic base malt, renowned for its depth and biscuity character.
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Roasted Malted Barley – Bringing rich coffee and cocoa flavours, and that deep dark hue stouts wear like armour.
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Torrefied Barley – A touch of toasted grain, adding complexity and balance.
To this malt foundation, we add the timeless East Kent Goldings hop. Known for its earthy, floral character, it lends a subtle bitterness that reins in the malt’s sweetness.
Our yeast of choice, S-04, ferments clean but leaves just enough fruitiness to complement the roasted notes. The result? A stout with layers, depth, and a little bit of mystery.
And here’s where we depart from tradition: unlike many stouts served on nitrogen, Daradach uses good old-fashioned carbon dioxide. That choice gives it a gentle bite, a touch of acidity that brightens the roasted flavours and keeps the finish crisp rather than heavy. It’s creamy, yes, but never cloying. Each sip invites the next.
Oh, and did we mention? Daradach is vegan and gluten-free. No compromises, just a pure, honest brew that welcomes all drinkers to the table.
A Tasting Journey
Pour a glass of Daradach, and you’ll see a deep, almost black body crowned with a tan head—soft and steady, like a hearth fire on a winter’s night.
Bring it to your nose, and the aroma rises rich with fresh-roasted coffee and dark chocolate. Hints of toasted grain whisper in the background, evoking brown bread by the fireside.
Take that first sip:
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Up front, the roasted malts shine with bold coffee and cocoa.
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Mid-palate, a wave of smooth creaminess rolls in, carrying subtle sweetness but never tipping into syrup.
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The hops emerge in the finish—earthy, slightly herbal, a grounding note that lingers like a storyteller’s pause.
The acidity from CO₂ lifts the entire profile, giving balance and refreshment. It’s the kind of stout you can savour slowly by candlelight or enjoy pint after pint with friends around a bustling table.
Folklore in a Glass
Beer isn’t just a drink; it’s a culture, a myth, a ritual. With Daradach, we wanted to capture not only the flavours of a classic Irish stout but also the spirit of Irish storytelling.
Think of Conchobar Mac Nessa, king among men, raising his goblet after a long day of war councils and rivalries. Think of the poets reciting verses as torches flickered against stone walls. Think of the warriors clashing cups, the ale flowing from the mighty cauldron, binding all who drank in fellowship.
When you sip Daradach today, you’re tasting more than malt and hops. You’re partaking in a tradition as old as Ireland itself—the shared joy of beer as the centrepiece of community.
Perfect Pairings
A beer like Daradach begs to be enjoyed with hearty food and good company. Here are some pairings we recommend:
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Beef & Guinness Pie (or Daradach Pie!) – The roasted malt flavours deepen the richness of slow-braised beef and gravy.
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Dark Chocolate Tart – Complementing the stout’s cocoa notes while contrasting its bitterness.
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Mature Cheddar or Cashel Blue – The beer’s acidity cuts through fat, while its roast balances the cheese’s intensity.
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Oysters – An old-school Irish pairing, where briny freshness meets roasted depth.
Of course, the best pairing is a tale well-told, a laugh well-shared, and maybe a fire crackling in the background.
Why Daradach Matters
In a world overflowing with IPAs and hop bombs, it feels right to return to something classic, something elemental. Daradach isn’t about chasing trends; it’s about honouring heritage while embracing craft.
At 4.5%, it’s sessionable yet full-flavoured. Being vegan and gluten free, it proves inclusivity doesn’t mean compromise.
Raise Your Glass
So here it is: Daradach, our tribute to a king, a cauldron, and a culture built around beer. Whether you’re a stout devotee or a newcomer curious about darker beers, we think you’ll find something special in this pint.
There’s an old Irish saying that goes: “Ní bhíonn saoi gan locht”—There is no wise man without fault. But we’ll dare to say: there’s little fault to be found in Daradach.
Raise your glass, share the story, and let the legend live on.
Sláinte! 🍻
