|
Black Sheep
scrapes in
decent
good
excellent
sublime
Black Sheep, Black Sheep Ale (England)  This quite dark golden brown beer has a creamy white head and is brewed in restored antique brewing vessels in Yorkshire. There's a suggestion of sweetness on the nose, and then a ground spice and toasty aroma with good hoppiness. On the palate the main focus is bitter, resinous hops, with a creamy texture and a softening pillow of smooth malt flavours beneath. This beer has good length and stays quite lively and crisp. 4.4% ABV, 50cl, �1.59, Luvians, Majestic, Sainsbury's, Tesco, Waitrose, widely available.  |  |
Black Sheep, Emmerdale Fine Dales Ale (England)  Visitors from outside the UK will miss the significance of the name, which refers to a low-rent soap opera that has been running on British TV for years. The beer pours a light- to medium golden colour with just off-white, creamy head. On the nose there's a distinct note of demerara sugar, some toast and a hint of dark, marmalady orange. On the palate there is a sweetness at first, with a medium-bodied, creamy texture. The bitter hops begin to dominate quite quickly, giving this plenty of bite although that sweet core persists. A toffee-ish note of malt adds to that impression, in a pretty good beer that is perhaps a little disjointed between the bitter hops and sweet finish. 5.0% ABV, 50cl, �1.59, Morrisons, Tesco.  |  |
Black Sheep, Riggwelter (England)  The name is Yorkshire dialect for a sheep that has rolled onto its back and cannot get up again - perhaps a veiled warning about this beer's strength. Riggwelter pours a very dark chocolate, almost black colour with a cream-coloured head that is quite dense. On the nose lots of toast, roasted aromas and chocolate malt, with a little citrussy note peeking through. On the palate it is a medium-bodied beer, with plenty more dark, espresso and roasted barley flavours, and a dry, savoury character. Hops are minimal, though there is a juicy acidity to keep it fresh. A bright and crisp style of stout-like dark beer. 5.7% ABV, 50cl, �1.79, Beersofeurope, Sainsbury's.  |  |
|
|