Newcastle Brown Ale

Newcastle Brown Ale has been back for a while. It was produced in Chicago, Illinois, by Lagunitas until the brewery shut down. Now it is being made for the US market in Tadcaste, England by John Smiths and is the UK recipe. This beer is owned by Heineken. It is 4.7% ABV. This beer was one of the beers that led me towards Blue Moon and eventually into craft beer. This beer pours light brown with a very light beige, two-finger head. The aroma is malty, with light nutty notes and bread. The flavor is malty, sweet, and very lightly smoky. This beer is different from the Newcastle I had so many years ago. No hop notes in this. This ale has a light mouthfeel. This beer has a light malt finish and a sweet malt aftertaste. This beer is better than I remember. My palate has changed since. This beer is not as good as some brown ales I’ve had. I think Newcastle Brown Ale is a C-. It isn’t terrible, but it’s better than I remember, and I seek out better brown ales. Please stay safe, be kind to one another, and remember to enjoy responsibly!