Scraggy Bay

Tasting Notes

Scraggy Bay pours with a nose of citrus peel and light tropical fruit, underpinned by a grassy, resinous hop character typical of an Irish-brewed American-style IPA. On the palate it delivers moderate bitterness with notes of grapefruit and a subtle biscuity malt backbone that keeps things grounded. The body is medium-light, and the finish is dry and moderately bitter without being harsh. At 5.3% it sits on the more sessionable end of the IPA spectrum, which lets the hop character do the talking without alcohol heat getting in the way.

About the Brewery

Kinnegar Brewing is based in Rathmullan, County Donegal, on the northwest coast of Ireland, and has been operating since around 2013. They are one of the better-regarded craft breweries in the Irish scene, known for well-made, consistent beers that draw on international styles while maintaining a distinctly local identity. Their range spans session ales through to IPAs and lagers, and they have earned a solid reputation both domestically and in export markets.

Food Pairings

The grapefruit and resinous hop character in this IPA works well alongside spiced fish tacos, where the bitterness cuts through the richness of the fish and mirrors the citrus in any lime-heavy salsa. A sharp cheddar or aged gouda offers a salty, fatty contrast that softens the bitterness and lets the malt backbone show through. Grilled chicken with a herb marinade is a natural pairing, as the piney, citrusy hops complement rather than fight herbal flavors. For something heartier, a beef burger with caramelized onions balances the dry finish with sweetness and fat.

Style Guide

India Pale Ale is defined by its prominent hop character — delivering bitterness, aroma, and flavor in varying degrees depending on the substyle — sitting typically between 5% and 7.5% ABV with a medium to medium-full body. The style traces its commercial roots to 18th-century Britain, though the modern American IPA, which emphasizes citrus and resinous hop aroma over purely bitter character, became the template most craft brewers worldwide now follow. It differs from a pale ale mainly in hop intensity and bitterness levels, and from a double IPA in that it keeps alcohol and malt presence more restrained.