Newcastle Brown Ale is an English Brown Ale that was introduced in 1927, and is currently manufactured by Scottish & Newcastle in New Yorkshire, owned by Heineken International.  Although Newcastle is pretty ubiquitous, I hadn't tried it until I was in Sarasota, FL at a training event.  A few of us were going to go back to our hotel for the evening and relax with a few beers, so I picked up some 12oz bottles.

Newcastle was a gorgeous golden brown color and provided a nice thick head when poured into a glass.  It has a rather heavy taste, very malty and almost sweet.  I personally enjoyed it, but I can say it's not going to be everyone's favorite.  Drinkability is pretty average.  Newcastle went down smooth, especially once you got a few beers in.  I discovered that it's supposed to be served "cool" and not ice cold.  Once it warmed up a bit, drinkability improved.  As for the aroma, nothing special here.  Smells like beer, enough said.  Newcastle had a heavy, almost thick texture.  Reminded me a bit of a light syrup almost.  I was impressed by how much body it really had.  Value is on par with most import beers: decent, not great.

Overall I enjoyed Newcastle Brown Ale.  This is certainly not a beer for "partying it up".  If you want to enjoy a full bodied beer with a meal, or just something to enjoy in the evening while picking up some prime time TV, this is your beer.  Newcastle is available at most stores in 12oz bottles.

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