Newcastle Brown Ale has long been a favorite of beer lovers around the world. Its smooth, malty flavor and rich caramel notes make it a distinctive and enjoyable brew.
But if you’re looking to expand your palate and try something new, there are plenty of beers similar to Newcastle that are definitely worth a taste.
In this blog post, we’ll explore five alternatives to Newcastle Brown Ale that offer their own unique flavors and characteristics. We’ll dive into the origins and brew methods of each beer, and by the end, you’ll have a list of new brews to try out.
Here’s a quick rundown of the five beers we’ll be discussing:
1. Samuel Smith’s Nut Brown Ale
2. Mann’s Brown Ale
3. La Trappe Dubbel
4. Belhaven Scottish Ale
5. Old Speckled Hen
1. Samuel Smith’s Nut Brown Ale
Origin and Brew Method
Samuel Smith’s Nut Brown Ale hails from the famous Samuel Smith Old Brewery in Tadcaster, England. Founded in 1758, the brewery is known for its traditional brewing methods and commitment to quality. The Nut Brown Ale is brewed using water from the original well, sunk over 250 years ago, and fermented in stone Yorkshire squares.
Taste and Flavor Profile
Samuel Smith’s Nut Brown Ale is a rich, flavorful brew with a deep amber color. It offers a slightly sweet, malty taste with notes of caramel, chocolate, and hazelnut. The finish is smooth and slightly dry, making it a great beer to enjoy with hearty foods like stews and roasts. If you love the smoothness and maltiness of Newcastle Brown Ale, Samuel Smith’s Nut Brown Ale is a must-try.
2. Mann’s Brown Ale
Origin and Brew Method
Mann’s Brown Ale is another classic English ale with a history dating back to 1902. Produced by the Mann’s Brewing Company in London, the beer is brewed using a combination of pale, crystal, and chocolate malts for a rich, complex flavor profile.
Taste and Flavor Profile
Mann’s Brown Ale has a deep brown color with a thick, creamy head. The flavor is dominated by sweet, roasted malts with hints of caramel, toffee, and dark fruit. The beer is medium-bodied with a moderate level of carbonation, making it easy to drink and enjoy. If you’re a fan of Newcastle’s rich, malty character, Mann’s Brown Ale is a worthy alternative to try.
3. La Trappe Dubbel
Origin and Brew Method
La Trappe Dubbel is a Trappist ale brewed by the monks of the Koningshoeven Abbey in the Netherlands. Trappist beers are known for their unique flavors and high-quality ingredients, and La Trappe Dubbel is no exception. The beer is brewed using traditional methods and adheres to the strict Trappist brewing guidelines.
Taste and Flavor Profile
La Trappe Dubbel is a dark, ruby-colored ale with a dense, creamy head. The aroma and flavor are characterized by notes of caramel, raisins, and ripe fruit, with a hint of spice. The beer is full-bodied with a smooth, velvety mouthfeel and a long, warming finish. If you enjoy Newcastle Brown Ale’s rich, complex flavors but are looking for something a little different, La Trappe Dubbel is a fantastic choice.
4. Belhaven Scottish Ale
Origin and Brew Method
Belhaven Scottish Ale is a traditional Scottish ale produced by the Belhaven Brewery in Dunbar, Scotland. The brewery has been crafting beer since 1719, and the Scottish Ale is one of its flagship brews. The beer is brewed using a combination of pale and crystal malts, along with Challenger and Goldings hops, to create a rich, flavorful ale.
Taste and Flavor Profile
Belhaven Scottish Ale has a deep amber color, with a rich, malty aroma that hints at toffee and caramel. The flavor is smooth and malty, with notes of caramel, toasted bread, and a subtle smokiness. The beer is medium-bodied with a soft, creamy mouthfeel and a satisfying finish. If you’re a fan of Newcastle Brown Ale but are interested in exploring other traditional ales, Belhaven Scottish Ale is a great option.
5. Old Speckled Hen
Origin and Brew Method
Old Speckled Hen is a classic English ale brewed by the Greene King Brewery in Bury St. Edmunds, England. The beer was first brewed in 1979 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the MG car factory in Abingdon, Oxfordshire, and its name was inspired by the factory’s old paint shop, where cars would emerge covered in specks of paint. Old Speckled Hen is brewed using pale and crystal malts, along with Challenger, First Gold, and Goldings hops.
Taste and Flavor Profile
Old Speckled Hen has a reddish-amber color and a creamy, off-white head. The aroma is a mix of sweet, fruity malt and earthy hops. The flavor is dominated by rich, malty notes of caramel and toffee, with hints of raisin and a subtle hop bitterness in the background. The beer is medium-bodied with a smooth, slightly creamy mouthfeel. If you enjoy the rich, malty flavors of Newcastle Brown Ale, Old Speckled Hen is another delicious alternative to consider.
Conclusion
In this blog post, we’ve explored five tasty alternatives to Newcastle Brown Ale, each with their own unique flavors and characteristics. From the rich, nutty flavor of Samuel Smith’s Nut Brown Ale to the smooth, malty notes of Belhaven Scottish Ale, there’s a world of delicious beers out there waiting for you to discover.
Personally, I would highly recommend trying Samuel Smith’s Nut Brown Ale if you’re a fan of Newcastle Brown Ale. Its traditional brewing methods and rich, complex flavor profile make it a standout choice among the alternatives. So, go ahead and give these beers a try, and who knows, you might just find a new favorite brew to enjoy. Cheers!
FAQs
Did Newcastle beer change their recipe?
Yes, Newcastle beer did change their recipe. In 2017, Heineken, the parent company of Newcastle Brown Ale, made a decision to reformulate the beer. The new recipe resulted in a slightly different taste profile compared to the original recipe.
What happened to Newcastle beer?
Newcastle beer, originally brewed in Newcastle upon Tyne, England, has undergone some changes in recent years. In 2008, Heineken acquired the brand and shifted production to the Netherlands. This decision led to a change in the beer’s taste and recipe, which disappointed some loyal fans. Additionally, the brand’s marketing strategy shifted, focusing more on limited edition releases and seasonal offerings rather than its flagship brown ale. As a result, Newcastle beer’s popularity and availability have somewhat declined, although it still maintains a presence in certain markets.
What type of beer is Newcastle Brown Ale?
Newcastle Brown Ale is a traditional English brown ale. It is known for its rich, malty flavor with notes of toffee and caramel, balanced by a subtle hop bitterness.
Why does Newcastle taste different?
Newcastle, a popular beer brand, is known for its distinct taste due to several factors. Firstly, the water used in the brewing process plays a significant role. Newcastle is brewed using water from the Tyne River, which has a unique mineral composition that can influence the flavor profile. Additionally, the brewing process and ingredients, including malted barley and hops, contribute to its distinctive taste. The combination of these factors results in the distinct flavor that sets Newcastle apart from other beers.
What happened to Newcastle Breweries?
Newcastle Breweries, also known as Newcastle Brown Ale, was a historic brewery located in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. The brewery was founded in 1890 and gained popularity for its signature beer, Newcastle Brown Ale. However, in 2005, the brewery was acquired by Scottish and Newcastle Breweries, which later merged with Heineken in 2008. As a result, production of Newcastle Brown Ale was moved to other locations, and the original Newcastle Breweries ceased to exist as an independent entity.
Is Newcastle Brown a bitter?
Yes, Newcastle Brown Ale can be categorized as a bitter. It is a traditional English-style ale with a rich, malty flavor and a slightly bitter taste.
