Brewery: Bateman’s
Location: Wainfleet, Lincolnshire, England
ABV: 5.0%
Version: Bottled
Source: Morrison’s

Ed tried this one the other night and when he told me he thought I ought to like it, that was a good enough recommendation for me to dig it out of the cupboard and give it a go.

The label makes for intriguing reading as well: Bateman’s describe Dark Lord as a “Dark Ruby Beer” (rather than, say, “Porter”) and they’ve printed tasting notes on the back from no less a beer luminary than Mister Roger Protz. The origin of the name is intriguing as well: sounds like it might have been some sort of Lord of the Rings movie tie-in at one point, but no: it’s actually named for an English Civil War era warrior by the name of ‘Black Tom’ (Sir Thomas Fairfax?) “a courageous soldier who inspired his men with his ‘never say die’ attitude”. And I’ve always been a sucker for a beer with a good story.

Story aside, how about that ale? The first thing I noticed on opening the bottle was a rich and fruity aroma with a hint of spice. The beer poured an incredibly rich, dark ebony with, yes, definite ruby highlights. Those spicy-fruit notes came through in the taste as well – specifically plum and apple, with a hint of ginger and liqourice – along with a well-balanced blend of malt sweetness and hoppy bitterness.

The rich flavours developed further as the beer breathed and warmed up a little (not that it was chilled to begin with, I drink mine at cupboard-temperature). The only thing that let it down slightly was the mouth-feel. It’s was a little fizzy, not quite as smoothly satisfying as I was hoping it would be. I suspect that’s something to do with it being a bottled version; I’m sure on draught it would be pretty damned impressive and if I’m ever in the vicinity of Bateman’s pub (note to self: Waggon And Horses, Lawrence Street, York) then I’ll be sure to track it down.

Cheers, Ed!