Additional notes 08/30/24

Now called “Black Ale”, when originally this had “Porter” on the label, and frankly, is really a Stout! So there you are. Confused yet?

It’s been a while since I had one of these. Not the almost 19 years between these notes (and pictured) and the last notes, but probably not too far off! Originally classified as a Porter, whether this has evolved into a Stour or not is somewhat academic, as the distinction can be under any circumstances. Additionally, Scottish AND English!

Still some amazing red highlights, and still plenty of quite aggressive bitterness (that for me is more stout-like than porter-like), the beer is a serious one. A ton of roasty flavor packed into that ABV, and a decent blast of roasty coal too. This feels more robust these days than it used to, and it’s hard to know if the beer has evolved or if my palate and tastes have changed over time. I know the latter is true, it just depends on how all the pieces of that particular jigsaw come together.

If you fancy a British staple, with some presence, then this fits the bill, but it isn’t an easy beer these days, it has some oommph.

Original notes 12/15/05

Really good jet black color with some attractive ruby red highlights. Nice creamy, thin, spotty head with a little lacing.

Lovely light alcohol and malt aroma. Mouthfeel is also surprisingly light for the style and the although I would prefer some more body, the lightness adds to the drinkability of the beer.

Taste is also light, but not so much that it detracts from the beer. Some smooth, sweet caramel in the malts and a little drying character in the finish.

This is a bit like a “light” old ale! I enjoyed it.