I think I've yet to encounter a Bateman's beer I didn't like. The darker ones like Victory and XXXB have this fantastic chewiness combined with a heady warming aroma that tickles my malt sensors right where they like it. To such esteemed company, I now add their ruby ale Dark Lord.Well, they claim it's ruby. I had to hold it up to a lightbulb to see any trace of red. It's denser and darker than many a stout I've met, with a beautifully thick creamy head and only a gentle sparkle adding to this impression.
The nose is quite sour, suggesting the tang of yeast to me, even though it's not bottle conditioned. This is followed by a mostly sweet taste sensation: luxurious chocolate and smooth caramel, but there's a zingy bitter fruit thing going on, a spiced plumminess that reminds of nothing so much as Westmalle Dubbel or similar top-notch dark Belgian ale.
Getting all that into a sinkable 5% ABV package is no mean feat.
The world needs more Dark Lords. Sounds delicious.
ReplyDeleteSounds wonderful! Would love to brew something similar.
ReplyDeleteI had this and yes it's a lovely beer. Nice and dark but not too strong in alcohol too.
ReplyDeleteIts good to see some of their range over here
ReplyDeletewhere did you pick it up? sounds great.
ReplyDeletedereko1969
It was from DrinkStore on Manor Street.
ReplyDeleteI was surprised by how dark it was too. It was enjoyable but I think I paid too much heed to the extensive blurb on the label and it didn't really measure up.
ReplyDeleteInteresting. I was only slagging off Bateman's the other day because they don't sell a bottled porter or stout, but perhaps they feel they've done their duty by putting this out.
ReplyDeleteIf one deems ruby porter to be an acceptable representative of the genre, then here you are. But if you're after roastiness, keep whining at them.
ReplyDelete