One woman's ale journey

A beery boozy journey with delightful snacks along the way and a book in my hand.

Saturday 24 September 2016

Robinsons Unicorn Black


This could easily be mistaken for a Guinness on pouring with a thick creamy beige head and a dark black body.  It will inevitably be compared with Guinness and I couldn't help myself comparing the two.

It doesn't have a strong aroma but I would say it smells slightly fruity, however, the taste is one of dark chocolate and lightly roasted coffee beans.  It's so very moreish with a creamy coffee aftertaste and with a thinner consistency than Guinness, I'd say it's something of a Guinness Light.

The head is absolutely amazing for a bottle poured stout - so thick and robust, remaining until the last drop.  Ale be Seeing you Again, Unicorn Black.

I purchased this from B&M for the bargainous price of £1.39.

Brewed by Robinsons Unicorn Brewery, Stockport, Cheshire
4.1% ABV

My rating:

Friday 23 September 2016

Allendale GFPA


I could see a bit of sediment in the bottle so I poured it slowly and carefully, although I got a bit of cloudiness in the pour.  It smells very strongly of citrus with a hint of hops.

The head disappears quite quickly but it does leave a bit of lacing on the glass.  Pale ales aren't my favourite but this is very harsh.  It has an overpowering grapefruit taste leaving a bitter aftertaste as if I'd sucked the pith from a grapefruit or lemon.  Due to the strong zestiness it's very refreshing but the taste is just a bit too harsh for me.

I bought this as part of an Allendale mixed pack from Best of British Beer, however, I received mostly pale ales so the lovely folk at Best of British Beer agreed to send me a few darker Allendale ales from their next delivery.  Now that's what I call customer service!

Brewed by Allendale, Northumberland
4.7% ABV

My rating:

Black Sheep Velo


This offering from Black Sheep is as sunny inside as it is out.  Made to celebrate the Tour de France Grand Départ, the bright yellow label, reminiscent of the yellow jersey, also gives us a hint of the pale golden ale that is hiding behind the smoked glass.  There is a distinct orange and hoppy aroma on pouring and I couldn't wait to have a sip.

The bright white head does die down but, as with all Black Sheep ales, it doesn't disappear completely and does leave a bit of lacing on the glass.  So on to the taste...it is so completely unique and I've never tasted anything quite like it.  I wouldn't have identified coriander as one of the tastes but it certainly gives an added extra to the hint of orange. With a little fizz on the tongue, it has a slight bitter grapefruit aftertaste but is so completely addictive that it definitely won't last long in my glass.

If Black Sheep have ever made a less than perfect ale, I have never found it.

Brewed by Black Sheep Brewery, Masham
4.2% ABV

My rating: