Newcastle -- Winter IPA

Thanks to my main-man Brian for giving me a couple bottles of Newcastle Winter IPA.  Newcastle is really only known for making one beer: Brown Ale.  Their Brown Ale is a malty and watery brown that has mass appeal.  I admit that I went through a Newcastle phase for a while, but then I decided that its flavor was really not that interesting and I'd save it for only drinking every once in a while.  Newcastle's website, like Stella and Guinness, puts a lot of emphasis on how to pour it and making the perfect pour.  That's great, there are better ways to pour beer than others, but if the flavor isn't there, then pouring can only do so much.  Given that Europeans surprisingly know even less about beer than Americans, I guess its no surprise that the focus is on pouring than on quality.  Newcastle is owned by Heineken International, which owns 125 breweries in 70 countries.

Winter IPA, is a limited edition.  The limited editions are available in Atlanta, Chicago, Boston, Denver, Las Vegas, Minneapolis, and Phoenix, and throughout California, Virginia, North Carolina, and South Carolina.  But, coming in January 2012 6- and 12- packs of the limited editions will be sold nationwide.  Besides the Newcastle Winter IPA, the limited editions also will include: Newcastle Summer Ale, Newcastle Werewolf, and Newcastle Founders Ale.

Newcastle's claim: "Our recipe echoes the style of 18th century India pale ales, which were subtly higher hopped than British pale ales.  This brew has a seductive malt, caramel and zesty character which accompanies a balanced and creamy finish."

In actuality: this beer is not very hoppy for an IPA.  If the bottle didn't tell me that this was supposed to be an IPA I would have no idea because there is so little hop taste.  The flavor is mostly malty with distinctive caramel flavor, and with a lightly spicey aftertaste which I suppose is why they call it a "winter" beer.  Overall the body is watery and light.  Usually with a winter beer you expect it to be heavier and darker, which this is not, and with an IPA you expect it to be hoppier, which this is not.  Similarly to Sam Adams, they tried to make a different style, but they did not stray very far from their bread and butter recipe.  Its not that I hate this beer, but Newcastle should have made it more distinctive.  If you really love Newcastle you'll probably like this beer.  Otherwise, its ok and easy drinking, but if you want a winter beer or an IPA this is not the one for you.