Derry Couple Honors Grandfather’s Legacy with Gluten-Free Stout

A new gluten-free stout has recently been introduced to the north-west, crafted in Donegal.

This unique brew is the brainchild of a husband and wife team, Tommy and Ciara Carlin, hailing from Derry city. The inspiration for their drink arose following Tommy’s diagnosis of Coeliac disease in 2024.

“I’ve always been a stout lover, and when I received my diagnosis, I quickly realized there were no alternatives available,” Tommy explained. “I tried gluten-free beers and ciders, but they simply didn’t compare. So, Ciara and I decided to explore the possibility of brewing our own gluten-free stout.”

Despite lacking prior brewing experience, the couple embarked on an extensive research journey, connecting with seasoned brewers to develop their recipe alongside Otterbank Brewing in Muff. “Testing various beers was a challenging task, but I took it upon myself,” Tommy chuckled.

The path to creating their final product was deeply personal, and the name of the stout reflects Tommy’s cherished memories of home.

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“The name is a tribute to my granda, Paddy McKeever, who frequented the Beechtree Bar in Derry,” Tommy shared. “If you take a look at the label, you’ll notice an illustration of a beech tree. Whenever I think of stout, my thoughts drift back to my granda McKeever from my childhood. Hence, the name came to me quite naturally.”

As the demand for gluten-free options continues to grow, numerous bars throughout the north-west have already shown interest in stocking this stout. “Every hotel, bar, and restaurant we’ve approached has welcomed us with open arms,” Ciara noted.

“With rising instances of gluten intolerance, people still want to enjoy a good stout after their diagnosis. There really isn’t anything like this on the market, and we hope locals will support our efforts here in the north.”