Beer connoisseur and passionate pub campaigner, Mark gives us his decision on the tastiest beer he has sampled in the last seven days. Mark has been highlighting the values of Britain’s favourite drink for many years. He is a member of the British Guild of Beer Writers. Follow @realaleupnorth on Twitter.
This week’s outstanding beer came courtesy of a fledgling brewery situated in Colne. Unbound Brewing Co. is their name. A brewing operation that has only been rolling out their craft beers since early last year.
Head brewer, Frazer Lowley is the man at the helm. His range of craft beers have quickly gained a strong following of discerning beer drinkers in the locality and beyond.
Frazer’s Nocturnal Oatmeal Stout (6.5%) was the first of his beers that I had tasted. A beer that landed a SIBA (North West) gold medal, with his first ever entry to this prestigious event for independent brewers.
There was an explosion of chocolate, vinous fruit, burnt sugar and a hint of spice, in the strong aroma, as I opened the can. It poured as black as ink with a fluffy beige head. Dark chocolate, raisins, creamy oats, burnt sugar and espresso coffee flavours were identified in the taste - and married to perfection. It was heavenly.
The rich, oily, velvety smooth mouth-feel was one of the finest I have ever experienced.
More roasted grain, creamy oats, subtle spice and some light, caramel sweetness was identified in lingering finish. An absolutely sensational, strong, deep-flavoured stout, that ticked all the boxes. One of the best I’ve ever tasted. Wow!
Nocturnal Oatmeal Stout is available on their website. A 20% discount for collection at the brewery. Highly recommend!
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