Ruby Red, Big Lamp Brewers.

Beer: Ruby Red

Brewer: Big Lamp Brewers

ABV: 4.0%

Awards: Newcastle Beer & Cider Festival 2016

Aroma: Malty, Earthy

Style: Amber Ale

Today, slightly later than usual, I present to you Ruby Red from Big Lamp Brewers, a small brewery in Northumberland. Big Lamp say this ale was made especially for the 40th CAMRA Tyneside and Northumberland Beer and Cider Festival 2016. It was here the ale won awards so I expect good things!

Big Lamp Brewery started out life in 1982 in Newcastle's West-End, first producing for local pubs, its first brew being 'Big Lamp Bitter' for the Red House pub on Newcastle's Quayside. Fast forward to today and the brewery is now the longest established brewery in Northumberland.

When pouring the dark Amber ale, I note a pungent malty aroma from the ale. This being the result of red crystal malts which also happen to give the ale it's dark reddish colour and intense burnt flavour upon initial tasting. This is nothing out of the ordinary though since red crystal malts are typically used in Amber Ales. However, it must be said that Big Lamp Brewery have got it right on this one. I suspect Maris Otter malts may have been used too, which is often rarer to see in mainstream ales but considered a more popular barley malt in homebrewing circles.

English hops were used in the Ale, possibly the Phoenix hop which offers a mild aroma and slightly spicy flavour. Other than this, perhaps they opted for the Bitter Bullion hop which is one of earliest used mainstream hops in the world. This may explain the earthy aftertaste I can sense. Either way, it's hard to pinpoint but it's certainly thought provoking.

This ale is best drunk with a red meat dish, like Veal or Beef and can be drunk as a good session ale too due to its low 4.0% ABV, comparatively speaking.

What I like most about this ale is its exclusivity and fact it's a little known gem. You're more likely to see this on tap in Newcastle-Upon-Tyne than the south. Nevertheless, if you ever find yourself 'up north' it's well worth a try!

3.75/5