Beer in the Evening

Purchase Location:Wetherspoons “Moon Under Water” – Cheltenham
(Part of the Wetherspoons Real Ale Festival.)

 
The name ‘Black Cat’ has ties to the Lancashire Witches of 1612; nine local people were hanged for practicing the black arts, magic and witchcraft. If the witches of yore were brewing something similar to Black Cat then pass my broomstick I’ve got a date with the dark side.

Black Cat has an immediate strong smokey flavour, I’ve heard some other beer drinkers call it chocolaty, but I couldn’t catch it in this one. The smokiness is coupled with a toasted barley taste I’m told, but maybe it’s just a bad day as I’m finding it quite malty - it sure looks malty. Black Cat pours a very dark beer, but as with most dark ales it has the typical ruby highlights when held to the light (hallelujah!). At first look you’d think Black Cat will be a strong one, but surprisingly it’s only a mild with a low ABV, this mild quality starts to come through as the texture of Black Cat is definitely watery, the Guinness’esq head doesn’t hang around on the Black Cat for too long which was a bit of a shame. I did drink three of these, with such a mild ABV this is a good beer to enjoy in a drinking session as it doesn’t take over, - there’s a slight bitterness after drinking so much but that’s easily balanced by taking yourself to the bar and demanding fish and chips for your table.

My Rating: 6/10

Hops used: Fuggles
ABV: 3.7%
Visit Moorhouse Brewery for more information.