Name: Midnight Hen
Brewery: Morland (Greene King)
ABV: 4.2%
Style: Stout
Location: Bury St. Edmunds, Norfolk
Aroma: Bags of roasted malt, along with a chorus of coffee, liquoriche and chocolate, accompanied by hints of caramel and a dash of maramlade thrown into the mix.
Colour: Deep black with a one finger tan coloured head, that takes a while to dissipate after pouring.
Taste: A sharp bitterness assaults the senses, followed by background of roasted coffee beans, dark chocolate, vine fruits and a dash of caramel, perhaps a hint of pipe tabacco. The mouthfeel is creamy yet close to biscutty, though the medium bodied depth of the beer helps maintain the head, which keeps the beer smoother for longer, even in bottle form. It is best to sample this beer cool not cold in order to appreciate the complexities of the flavours.
Verdict: A recent addition to the growing range of releases under the Old Speckled Hen banner, there is a lot going for this beer, despite its low ABV, the use of malt undercut with the bitterness from the hops helps create a deep and complex flavour profile that helps give it character. Although it may lack the complexities that stronger beers allow, it is far from being a push over, and its kaleidoscope of aromas and flavours help make it memorable. The beer is profoundly on the bitter side which may dissuade some from trying, and at times it seems a little overbearing. This beer is the ideal drink to have by the fireside, on a cold winter's night and it sessionable enough that it won't leave you worse for wear afterwards.
Rating: 8/10
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