Enjoying a beer isn’t always easy. Especially in January, when lots of people are having a “dry” month and want to forget, if just temporarily, that alcohol even exists. Everyone else, meanwhile, is hit with the barrage of detox-fitness-resolutions hype. So there’s kind of a generalised guilt doing the rounds.

There’s not a lot of new beers on the shelves early in the year, while stocks are often running a bit low in off-licences after the Christmas madness.

The subject of beer seems to slip into discreet mode until the month is out and we can – finally – make some noise again.

So, if you’re sitting down for a well-earned beer this weekend, make sure it’s a good one.

Pacific Secret, by Irish brewery Rascals, has a fantastic hit of hop aroma the minute you pour, and it will wake you right up out of these sleepy wintery days. This is a light-bodied, hazy straw-yellow Belgian style beer at 4.4 per cent, with plenty of lemon citrus, a touch of pineapple and spiciness with a dry finish, which are characteristics of the Saison style.

Another good one to start the evening with is Western Herd’s Back Beat. This is a zesty, refreshing Witbier and with a light, smooth finish.

Lough Gill is a new brewery in Sligo, and its Mac Nutty is made with hand-roasted macadamia nuts. I don't usually get that excited about brown ales, but this is particularly tasty: subtle and balanced, with just the right amount of toasted, nutty, cocoa flavours – and it comes in a cool tall can.

Finally, Banished Sun Imperial Porter, by Galway Bay, has a great smoky aroma with dark chocolate, roasted bitterness and a lovely, rich warming finish at 8 per cent. A good one to kick back with. @ITbeerista beerista@irishtimes.com