As an expert sommelier and brewer, I can confirm that Newcastle Brown Ale is no longer available in the United States as it used to be. However, there is a product that is still sold under the name “Newcastle Brown Ale” but it is now produced by Lagunitas Brewing Company. Unfortunately, this new version of Newcastle Brown Ale has little in common with the original product that many people loved.
The original Newcastle Brown Ale was a classic English beer known for its rich and smooth flavor profile. It had a deep amber color, a malty sweetness, and a slightly nutty taste. It was a well-balanced and highly drinkable beer that gained a loyal following over the years.
However, when Lagunitas Brewing Company took over the production of Newcastle Brown Ale, they made significant changes to the recipe and brewing process. The result is a beer that is quite different from the original.
The new Newcastle Brown Ale produced by Lagunitas has a lighter color and a more hop-forward flavor profile. It has a stronger bitterness and a less pronounced maltiness compared to the original. Many fans of the original Newcastle Brown Ale have expressed their disappointment with this new version, as it lacks the unique characteristics that made the original so beloved.
Personal experiences with the new Newcastle Brown Ale have been mixed. Some people enjoy the new flavor profile and appreciate the hoppy notes, while others long for the taste of the original. Personally, as a sommelier and brewer, I find the new Newcastle Brown Ale to be a decent beer in its own right, but it simply doesn't capture the essence of the original.
It is important to note that the change in the production of Newcastle Brown Ale was a business decision made by the brand owners. The goal was likely to increase production and distribution efficiency, but it came at the cost of losing the unique characteristics that set the original apart from other beers.
While a product labelled “Newcastle Brown Ale” is still sold in the United States, it is no longer the same beer that many people remember and love. The new version produced by Lagunitas Brewing Company has a different flavor profile and lacks the qualities that made the original Newcastle Brown Ale so iconic.