End of an era (sad news)

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Jevverrett

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I felt like having a few beers and some pizza this evening with my wife. I ran into the packy to get some of the one and only Newcastle brown ale. Lovingly referred to as “the brown”. I was surprised to see that the packaging had changed. More modern looking, in a brown bottle now, but similar. We toasted our quiet evening together, took a sip... My wife spit it back into her glass. Sadly, it’s a watered down bitter imposter made by lagunitas in California. Apparently, they felt they could reimagine a 92 year industry staple. They recently took over production from Heineken, and wanted to put there own spin on an old fav. If you are familiar with this brand, it can still be had in six packs while it lasts.
 
Ouch that's to bad. Not one of my choice for beer but why ruin something that has been around for that long? Hopefully they will see the error of their ways and go back to the original recipe
 
Maybe this is why I see it often on sale. That it has changed hands to an even larger house. I wouldn't fret it, but we're going to have microbreweries that charge $12/6-pack and everything else under the hand of a couple giant corps as options. I don't follow the beer industry, so maybe this has been happening for years. Probably. The prices I see are insane, and when I try for something else, the quality is often disappointing.
 
The has been $8/9 for a six pack as long as I can remember. Which isn’t bad for a European import. I like Samuel Smiths’ offerings as well, which was brewing Newcastle for awhile prior to being sold to Heineken. Their beers go for about $10-12 a four pack though.

So, here’s a question. What other commonly available brown ales do you all like? I don’t drink often these days, but I’m going to have to try some new ones, aren’t I?
 
I always liked Newcastle, but the last time I had it (last year?), it wasn't anything special. I thought my taste had changed. Who knows? I'm sure it is a little of this and that. I'm more of a porter and stout person anyway. I like stupidly robust flavors. Not because I'm a big man and think everything is a competition for bigger is better. My sense of taste goes in and out and is wonky. I find bold flavors are easier for my fickle tongue to process on the regular.

I'd check the Beer Advocate, and other beer review sites, for a better overview of English brown ales. I've found some good leads there.
 
I've watched this thread with interest, but haven't really much to say in way of advice or direction.

As a retired professional brewer of some 30 yrs it's been my experience that beers made under license are often a bit different from the original producer. I won't go into details otherwise I'll write pages!

Suffice to say that if a once-loved brew has gone south there's nothing much you can do about it except find a reasonable alternative - or start brewing yourself to try and re-create the magic. Easier said than done!

;)


Cheers,

RR
 
I was hoping I would hear your opinion, BD. I did notice a very slight change some years ago when they cut out the caramel color. Something about it possibly being a carcinogen. Not a big deal. This is now a very significant change in flavor profile and body. It’s a whole different animal at this point. It was never an exceptional beer, really. It was more of a very solid go-to ale that everybody would drink gladly enough.

I will have to check out beer advocate when I have some time. I’m sure finding a new brown will be fun.


 
Jevverrett":cps4woaa said:
So, here’s a question. What other commonly available brown ales do you all like? I don’t drink often these days, but I’m going to have to try some new ones, aren’t I?
I enjoy Ellie's Brown Ale from Avery Brewing Co. Boulder, Colorado.
 
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