Abbey Black Friar

Brewed by Abbey
Style: Stout
Bath, England

Cask conditioned @ Star Inn, Bath. Liquorice, dried fruits and brambly hops in this tangy slightly bitter porter (as I wrote in my notes).

Cask at The Star, Bath, April 2006. I’d say this is more like a porter than a stout. Vary dark red colour with no head whatsoever. Distinctly woody and vinous on the nose and finish. Lots of licorice and sharp fruit to go with the roast malt on the palate. Dry and fairly hoppy (for a stout). Light mouthfeel - certainly not a smooth, velvety stout. Atypical it might be, but I enjoyed this one. Drinking it in a classic pub may have helped enhance the experience.

Cask Stillage at the Queen Elizabeth Hall, Oldham 29/03/2003 Dark red in appearance with some degree of richness. Poured quite lively. Chocolate roast in the finish.

(Cask conditioned) Deep red, quite clear - not as black as most porters. Mild aroma, almost nonexistent. Slightly sweet flavor, but dry finish. Quite bitter. Medium-bodied palate. Ok, but won't remember this experience very long.