For our next beer I have something that is generally better for the cooler months, though if you’re like me you’ll drink some of the heavier beers all year round. This is a pretty excellent drop.
Dark Lord
Brewery: Batemans
Origin: Lincolnshire, England
Style: Mild Ale (Dark Ruby Mild Ale)
Format: 500ml (crown seal)
ABV: 5.0%
Guest reviewer: Cheyne Tillier-Daly
Dark Lord is named after Thomas ‘Black Tom’ Fairfax – an English Parliamentarian who fought alongside Oliver Cromwell in the Battle of Winceby in 1643. Like its namesake, it is possessed of swarthy looks, pouring a deep ruby colour with a tight caramel head and good clarity. The aroma is malt driven and spicy, with softer stewed fruit and coffee notes. Dark Lord is medium-to-full bodied, with warming, toasty malts and rich pudding flavours immediately noticeable. It could be perhaps a little less sweet, but this is balanced out nicely with a gently lingering finish which holds a slight chinotto-like twist.
Nic: A well-rounded, easy drinking, and flavourful beer. Matches well with food, and provides a break from the ordinary. Keep a few of these in the fridge.
Simon: A medium-bodied ruby ale which sits very well as an evening beer. Definitely a nice one for the colder months.
Cheyne: Give me more! Very deserving of its namesake, this is a rich and well-made ale which I would readily drink again.
Packaging: Classic English, eye-catching, and historical.
Serve with: Roast beef, game meats, black pudding.
Drink this if you like: Sarah Hughes Dark Ruby Mild
