Around The World In 80 Beers Episode 138: Vale Dark

Pours a clear, dark brown, with a fine medium-sized head that slowly fades to a thick lacing. Some carbonation is visible in the glass.

First Sip: a mix of dark roasted malts, dark chocolate, a lot of citrus, and a little slightly burned toast. There is also a sort of berry, grape-y flavour in there. Hops is not noticeable until the other flavours have faded away. Mouth-feel is medium and a little fizzy.

The label says this is an American Dark, "locally crafted to suit the Australia palate." Maybe that second sentence should read "There is also a sort of berry, grape-y flavour in there, with a hint of bogan." This is quite nice, it goes down very easily, and would suit a hot summer's day or a cold winter's evening.

Yes, cheese was involved in the writing of this: A farm-house cheddar in case you're wondering.

Vale Dark
Mclaren Vale Brewing Company
4.5% alc/vol
330ml bottle



Same again, sir? Yes.