Pink Elephant Humbug Ale

Brewed by Pink Elephant
Style: English Strong Ale
Blenheim, Malborough, New Zealand

Scented with allspice, crystalised fruit and ginger. A beautiful deep russet/dark copper colour. The first taste was an explosion of candied orange peel, brandy and then a smash hit of sourness. I genuinely don’t mind this sour flavour. It is reminiscent of some very familiar Belgian sour ales, almost in the same vein as a Framboise perhaps. This beer put my tongue through a wringer, but golly it was a labour of love. Well done Roger.

Bottle. Pours a slightly hazy deep amber with orange highlights, and a rapidly receding off-white head. Aroma of sour berries and caramel. Like the rater before me (Monpbeer) I found this to have a distinctly sour profile, rounded somewhat by nice toffee malt sweetness. There is some chocolate in there too, and subtle spices. Finish is quick and slightly tart with mild bitterness. I quite liked this brew, regadless of whether it was meant to be sour-ish or not.

Bottle. Pours amber with a tanned head that completely disappeared. Aroma of dark fruit, cherry, spice and caramel. The flavour is the same and I’m not detecting the 9% ABV, it’s well hidden. A little sourness in the mouthfeel. In my mind I was unsure after each sip, I formed a love-hate relationship with this beer. I would like to get my hands on another bottle for another rate...I’d like to try this beer again.

Deep chestnut brown, no head. Toffee, cherry, and a hint of alcohol on the nose. Warming, nutty, more toffee on the palate. A hint of marmitey autolysis, but not in a bad way. Reminds me a lot of Marstons Owd Rodger. Supercharged though. Not bad, but finishes very quickly, and just makes me want something more.

Dark amber in colour with off white head that dissaperared quickly. Sweet cherry flavours with mild hop bitterness. Very enjoyable with xmas pudding.

A spicy, dark fruit nose. Raisins, prunes, berries, brown sugar and cinnamon. A very complex aroma. gorgeous. A beautiful crimson colour with a thin, tan head that diminishes quickly. The flavours are incredibly complex. Begins with a pleasant sourness that includes alcohol, malt and yeast. Out of this initial taste will come the dark fruits, pepper, clove and some hops. A smooth finish that is sweet and spicy. Actually a perfect ale for Christmas eve, if youre the festive type...

Bottle from Regional. Pours a red orange colour with an off white head. A very fruity nose to it, of dark berries and peach. The aroma is well spiced, with some caramel supporting. A slight peppery hoppiness begins in the flavour, then supported by some plum fruit and finishing in a slightly bitter chocolate malt flavour. Ending slightly dry. Best enjoyed warm to appreciate the amazing complexity of this beer.