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Beer Review: Newcastle Brown Ale

W hen I think I of the Fall and the Winter seasons in crowded bars, where keeping warm has everything to do with leather and wool and laughter, I often dream of sitting on the banks of the aged Tyne river in Newcastle-upon- Tyne, England. This northern city boasts the site (according to newcastle.com), where Britain likely first brewed beer in 1770. It’s where cold northern rain and fog are soaked into jerseys with sweat. It’s the home of what I believe is perhaps the greatest beer in the world, Newcastle Brown Ale. It’s the taste of the aged Empire itself, percolating in the mists of history, in the ghosts of the industrial revolution, below Hadrian’s Wall. It’s the sweet part we savor in a crowded bar, the soliloquy of that first beer in the corner. This true brown Ale is the mead of Harvest, the taste of October. It pours quickly with a frothy head that doesn’t dwell too long at the edges of the proper pint. It’s nutty brown taste is distinct, like a hand-made Honduran robusto cigar, thick and sweet (earthy). It is a southern cousin to Scottish Ales, riding on the border Scotland, but retains uniqueness. Like some persistent rowdiness, the nutty brown aftertaste creeps back into your senses like a Jordie accent. It’s often rough on the stomach when consumed in quantities. Another product from the nation that brought you the digestive cookie. Although this ale is preferred by many on draught (often warmer), I prefer a cold bottle. Their unique shape is easy to hold onto in detailed conversation and I always find myself picking at the label, trying to take the legend home with me.

Dopplebock
When reviewed? 17 July 2001
How tasted? Tried in England 1994 on draught

Although not as dark as the Guiness that had preceeded it, this ale was rather dark. A nice, strongish flavor eminated from this beer, which was crisp, with a medium body. Yes, it was a good flavor, but I did not feel that the flavor of this brew went nearly as well with the potato soup as the Guiness had.... Still, a good, solid beer -- I can see what Dopplebock meant by his 'the taste of October' observation. Tilting my glass under the light over my table allowed me to better reflect upon the deep, rich brown color of this Brown Ale. A good beer.

Brewmeister G
When tasted? 04 August 2001
How tasted? On draft
Where tasted? At Bennigan's Grill & Tavern, Fair Oaks Mall, Fairfax, VA

Links for this beer:

Scottish and Newcastle Brewing's Home Page

For more information about the SBR, please contact Brewmeister G. All fermented contributions are cheerfully accepted.