This brew is what is known as a Black and Tan. Black and Tans are typically the mixture of a lighter colored beer, such as an American or English Pale Ale, and a darker beer, often a Stout. The Black and Tan is believed to have begun in pubs, specifically in Britain and have caught on recently in the united States. The origin of the name is debatable, however what is consistent is that most Black and tans are someones Pale Ale or lager, topped with Guinness Extra Stout. There are even variations of how to pour a Black and Tan!
The one thing that is interesting about the Black and Tan, is that it is not a style per say, more of just a beer mixture, something to be tried from time to time. Although you will see this in many bars or pubs in the U.S. and Europe, as well some pre-packaged blends, many breweries have not gone down this road. In fact, it seems that some in Britain do not like the concept of the Balck and Tan as something akin to beer heresy. I admit, I was skeptical as well.
I poured this one into a pint glass and upon first glance, it is deep brown in color, with a light tan tinge to it (gee, did I say tan? What else I guess, with this being a Black and ‘Tan’ review!). It has a minimal head, which didn’t stick around, but did leave a nice lacing on the glass.
The aroma is what I expected, a combination of a nutty, chocolate stout and the slightly hoppy and spiced ale. However, in addition to these aromas, there were malt undertones.
The taste is not what I expected. Although you taste much of what you smell with this one, the combination is that of either a weak ale or a weak stout. I couldn’t tell which and not the best combination. A chocolate flavor was predominant, with a hint of bitterness.
The longer this one lingered, the more the Ale becomes predominant.
Overall, this was ok. I won’t rush out to buy it again, but would recommend that it gets tried at least once. It weighs in at around 5% ABV, so it will not knock your socks off. Not sure what this would pair well with however…
Black and Tan is, I believe, traditionally, a Guinness poured, very carefully, over a Bass. Since the Black and Tans were also thugs hired by the British to suppress the Irish revolution, it must be a delicious irony to the Irish that the Guinness is on top of the Bass.
I like Mississippi Mud mainly because it’s drinkable throughout its entire two pints.