Black Sheep Ale (Bottle)

Brewed by Black Sheep
Style: Bitter
Ripon, England

Serve in English pint

Bottle, Scotland AP: Copper colored body with thick white head, AR: hoppy and citrus F: hoppy and citrus, medium bitterness

courtesy of Allen - translucide reddish-amber colour with a long lasting pale beige head; nice lacing; gentle flowery hoppiness with notes of caramel; medium-bodied with a pretty tasty palate; a gentle bitterness before a long aftertaste of red fruits marmalade - delicate and very pleasant

Not too bad. Has a dry hop flavor to it. Pours nice, dark brown color. Not much aroma, but still enjoyable.

19th May 2008. Toasted malt darl ale with a distinctly bananaish finish. Not over toasted.

The appearance is hazy and murky, a deep dark orange. A slushy white head. Unusually thick; no see-thru. The smell is an initial sniff of whiskey, then a sweetish, sugary barley aroma. Some mild hops, notes of sweet red wine. The malt is both toasted and sugary-sweet. The taste has those typically sweet English malts; molasses and toffee. Sweetness is pretty strong, almost saccharine, but does have just enough of a roasted balance. The feel is thick and milky. Has the feel of a nice English pub ale. Leaves a little milky film. Still, it’s smooth-drinkin’. Overall it’s big and milky, thick and sweet. Not bad but not one I’d crave.

Come on now? What is this? I wanted to give Black Sheep a try and I ended up with a less-than-desirable product. I have to admit this is not as offensive as many English ales (e.g. Fuller’s garbage ales), but I will not be re-buying this--especially considering this was pretty expensive for 1 pint 0.9? ounces. I’m going to be more serious about avoiding anything that resembles an English ale for now on. To England: you are terrible at producing beer! Please stop sending your garbage to your friends across the pond.

50cl bottle poured into a pint glass. Copper with two fingers creamy off-white head. Aroma is rich and malty. Flavor is bread, oak, almond, hops. Finish is bittersweet. Nice beer.

(bottle). Cloudy amber color. Medium off white head. Light malt aroma. Bready malt flavor. Avg duration. Smooth finish. Thin/slick texture. Soft carbonation. Fair lacing.