Saturday, March 14, 2026

Beer Review: Vale Black Beauty

 Name: Black Beauty

ABV: 4.4%

Brewery: Vale

Style: Porter

Location: Brill, Buckinghamshire


Aroma: A flurry of dark-roast coffee, burnt toast, charcoal, roasted malt and liquoriche. 


Colour: Dark ruby, some light bleeds into beer, with a one finger cream coloured head.


Taste: Profound coffee bitterness is immedietely apparent, followed along with a bed of treacle for added substance. The varied malt bill (consisting of Pale Planet, Crystal, Munich, Chocolate, Brown) gives it added character. There is a touch of smokiness in the background, along with some notes, while the hops give off fruity elements and a warming aftertaste, mainly from the addition of Goldings hops in the brew. The creamy mouthfeel helps brings it all together, leaving it smooth and thoroughly drinkable.


Verdict: A quaffable, moreish beer that evokes the very best elements of the London porter style, with potent coffee bitterness dominates, there is a mellow chocolaty sweetness that helps offset some of the force. The varied range of malts help give the beer is distinctive character with the hops add to the flavour elements. A great all-rounder and a stirling example of the brewer's craft.


Rating: 9/10




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