Last Wednesday myself and a gaggle of bloggers (what is the correct collective noun for bloggers en masse?) boarded a bus bound for an evening in South Studios, Dublin to celebrate the launch of Guinness' latest creation for The Brewers Project; Hop House 13.

The stark and stylish surroundings of South Studios, Dublin 8

As cute as these mini pints were, I quickly had to move on to a real pint to properly critique the lager. The things I do for you The Brewers Project is a venture that allows budding brewers the chance to develop, collaborate and reinvent recipes freely supported by Guinness. Following the success of the Guinness Dublin Porter and Guinness West Indies Porter last year, the latest concoction is Hop House 13, appropriately named after a hop store from the 1900's.

The lager is the brainchild of Peter Simpson. I'll admit I was either naive or ignorant to the alchemy that goes into the brewing of lager and thought of it as a relatively simple process. Peter, who trained as chemical engineer prior to going into brewing, explained the processes and sheer length of time it takes to develop, test and launch a bespoke craft lager. He also admitted to not really liking lager which may have shaped the distinct taste and aroma of Hop House 13.

Master Brewer Peter Simpson explaining his craft

Luis Ortega who developed Dublin Porter and West Indies Porter

Queuing up for a pint of the amber stuff

To my (relatively unrefined) palette, Hop House 13 has the distinct bitter undernote of lager but this is quickly quenched with a rush of bold fruit flavours. I don't think it would be to everyone's taste but as we enter spring (and eventually summer) it has the makings of a great beer garden or barbeque lager. It's light and refreshing enough for the non-lager drinkers and traditional lager lovers will appreciate the craft and traditional taste.

The night included a set by All Tvvins

Sunday Life Editor Martin Breen & Cool FM's Pete Snoddenimage property of Smarts Communicate

Stylist and presenter Darren Kennedy

Gill Stewart of Smarts Communicate (who kindly organised our trip) and Leticia Alvarez image property of Smarts Communicate

Random stylish Dubliner with great taste in shoes!

Hop House 13 is currently only available on draught in selected pubs across Ireland but in light of the success of the previous success of The Brewer's Project, watch out for bottles coming in time for summer! Thanks to Danielle & Gill of Smarts Communicate for the kind invitation and for providing additional pics. All other images are property of rogues+brogues