Written by As sometimes happens at The Brew Club, I was recently contacted by the good folks who promote Newcastle asking if I’d like to sample the Newcastle Summer Ale. Never one to turn down beer, I agreed to the sample and the following is my review.
I’ll admit to being slightly apprehensive about this beer. If you recall, I didn’t really care for the “Newkie Brown” which is what many people call the famous Newcastle Brown Ale. I actually gave the beer one star, and remarks in the comments included such niceties as “Flat dish water like taste with no other depth” and “I found it to be thin, watery and flat. There are much better brown ales out there.”
Granted, there was a lot of support for Newkie Brown in the comments as well, but the beer in the clear glass bottle was a total flop for me.
So, will the Newcastle Summer Ale redeem the name in my eyes? Well, for starters the Summer Ale comes in a brown glass bottle as opposed to the clear glass bottle of the Newcastle Brown Ale. Some of the criticisms of the Newkie Brown was some skunkiness that people picked up, and we all know that beer in clear glass is most easily lightstruck which leads to the dreaded skunked beer. Being in a brown bottle is an immediate plus for the Summer Ale.
Newcastle Summer Ale is the first seasonal beer from the Newcastle people. Its only available in certain limited American markets this year from July to September. Its a 4.4% ABV beer, and information regarding the style is somewhat hard to come by. Beer Advocate seems to think its an English Bitter – I’m not so sure, and even still, how is this a Summer Ale anyway?
The beer is a golden color, very clear and produces a nice white head. There was a bit of lacing, and it ended up sticking to the glass the entire way down. Hmm.
The aroma was less impressive, and it really reminded me of grain or corn. Nothing much going on here.
The PR page indicates that Newkie Summer “…blends Fuggles and Super Styrian Goldings Hops, with Fuggles offering a mild hoppy taste with a light bitter flavor and Styrian creating a soft aroma. The fusion of a light crisp taste with a hint of bitter offers a refreshing companion beverage to complement summer dishes and social occasions.”
Soft aroma, yes, and despite the glowing text above, I’d say the flavors are 
mostly washed out and muddled into something that reminds me of both the original Newkie Brown, and the Dundee Honey Brown. As Homer Simpson might say – “Booooooringgg.” There is a bit of bitterness in the taste, but I’m not really picking up any hops at all even though the label proudly announces ‘Hops and Glory’. I’m thinking this is more of a brown ale light (in color) here, and not a traditional English bitter.
So, I’m not sure what to make of this beer. It isn’t a Summer Ale as I’ve come to expect. It isn’t really refreshing, its not spicy, its not bubbly, its just a plainish beer with a summery label on it. At least it isn’t skunky or metallic tasting like its more famous brother can be, but its not going to be something I reach for next summer.
Rating: 
What about you? Ever try the hard-to-find Newcastle Summer Ale? Whatcha think of it?
I agree, there really isn’t anything about this beer that makes it summer or really that good tasting. I had it on tap a few weeks ago and I was excited, but quickly let down.
Yeah, I don’t get the Summer label @ all with this brew. With or without, I thought it was ‘eh’.
.-= Scott-TheBrewClub´s last blog ..Bells Oberon – For Whom the Bells Tolls =-.
Interesting and thorough review, and ‘to each his own”.
But I do have to ask: What’s the hangup on the “styles” thing I see so much in beer reviews these days? There is no authority anywhere that defines beer styles (except the BJCP, which of course ONLY applies to amateur competition brews). As has always been the case, the interpretation is totally up to the brewer, _who can call a beer whatever he pleases_. Other than very broad categorization, trying to box every beer into a defined “style” category is a modern conceit anyway (and an increasingly silly trend in my estimation).
Judging by the photo of the beer in the glass as well as the description of the tasting, this looks and sounds every bit like a “traditional” English bitter (whatever that is..even there, the “tradition” has seemingly changed with each passing decade so it depends on which tradition you compare it to!).
As far as this particular beer goes, I’ll certainly look for it and give it a spin. There are, of course, those that will dismiss it simply because it is not an “in your face” kind of flavor explosion. I love a hoppy brew as much as anyone, but I still just have to wonder why beers like this particular one… with a presumably easy drinking, lighter balance, and more moderate ABV (which to me SCREAMS “summer”)… have suddenly become a bad thing?
Are our palates really _so_ burnt out by the glut of ethanol hop bombs that are the current fad?
Not at all trying to be snarky here…just honestly wondering…
@Professor – good points as usual! I agree about the brewer putting whatever label they want on it – its just that (speaking for myself here) certain things come to mind with the ‘Summer’ label and this beer pushed none of those buttons. It’s like coming out with a Summer Stout or something. Sure they can do it, but will anyone buy it?
Heck, I just had the 2.5% ABV Stiegl Radler and thought it was a better ‘Summer beer’ so I’m not at all against lower ABV beers (actually I don’t usually like the higher ABV beers anyway.)
So, I suppose my hangup was with the beer not meeting my preconceived expectation of what it might be, and I understand that’s my problem, and not necessarily the Newcastle Summer’s problem. Still, the beer was only so-so even if it were called Newcastle Bitter. I also think its closer to an English Bitter, but having had a few other English Bitters, this one was still rather bleh.
There’s nothing wrong with an easy drinking, well balanced beer but they should still have some character. Newkie Summer just fell flat for me.
Thinking about your last question, it very well may be YES! People like more interesting flavors in their foods and in their beers than in years past. I saw recently that the McCormic spice people run their factory 24/7 and are barely keeping up with the demand. And this is during a big recession! Salsa now outsells ketchup! So, it would make perfect sense if bland uninspired beers like this aren’t as big a plaver as years past.
Anyway, great stuff! We always love to hear from you! Cheers!
.-= Scott-TheBrewClub´s last blog ..Stiegl Radler Lemon Beer Review =-.
Call it whatever, when I tried it I thought it was terrible! I think that while summer beer is not a true label, just like Christmas beer there are certain things you expect, like Scott said. This beer was a big letdown, and I had it on tap!
Bummer. You’d think if they sent it to you for free, it would at least be good. Kinda like getting a sweater from your aunt for Christmas.
.-= Don´s last blog ..Drink up America! We Need the Fuel… =-.
@Don – I’m sure a lot of people like it, and I really do with I could have given it a better rating. It just wasn’t my thing, but I’m glad I got to give it a try.
.-= Scott-TheBrewClub´s last blog ..Saranac Summer Brew =-.
it sucks. it’s bitter, low alcohol, and didnt quench any part of my thirst.
@pablo – I wasn’t thrilled with it either. Perhaps their other seasonal ales will be better.