In the vast universe of beers, dark beers hold a special allure with their rich colours, deep flavours, and storied history. Whether you're a seasoned beer enthusiast looking to deepen your knowledge or searching for the perfect gift for a fellow beer lover, understanding what sets dark beers apart is essential.
Defining dark beer
The term ‘dark beer’ is a broad church and can range from a dark chestnut ale such as Lancaster Red, to a jet black stout like Glamorgan Brewery’s Welsh Cake.
The colour of the beer is a direct result of the roasted barley used during brewing which helps achieve darker hues, known as ‘speciality malts’. This roasting process not only affects the colour but also enriches the beer's flavour profile, introducing notes of chocolate, coffee, caramel, and toffee.
Mild beer started to be popular in Britain in the 1600s, the characteristics of the beer changed during the early part of the 20th century, and it was brewed to a lower ABV. This made it more refreshing and appealed to factory owners who could let their employees enjoy a few more pints, without getting too tipsy!
The Porter style of beer became popular in London from the early 1800s and probably predates Stout. Did you know that Guinness was originally called Extra Superior Porter? There’s no universally agreed difference between the 2 styles, but Porters tend to be a little less gloopy than Stouts. One of our most popular Porters is Totty Pot from Cheddar Ales.
Characteristics of a strong dark beer
When we talk about strong dark beers, we're referring to brews with both a higher alcohol content and a richer, more intense flavour profile. Typically, these beers have an alcohol by volume (ABV) of 7% or higher, though this can vary widely. Strong dark beers, such as Imperial stouts, Belgian dark ales, and barleywines, are known for their depth of flavour, often exhibiting a complex blend of sweetness, bitterness, and robust malt characteristics.
These beers are not just about the strength of alcohol but also the depth and complexity of their taste.
How dark beer is made
The key to dark beer's distinctive colour and flavour lies in its ingredients, particularly the malted grains. During the malting process, grains are soaked in water, germinated, and then dried in a kiln. For dark beers, some of the grains are roasted at higher temperatures and for longer than those used in lighter beers. This roasting process caramelises the sugars in the grains, contributing to the beer's dark colour and complex flavour spectrum.
Water, hops, and yeast are the other essential components in brewing dark beer. The type and amount of hops can vary significantly, influencing the beer's bitterness and aroma, while the yeast contributes to the beer's alcohol content and can add fruity or spicy notes. The brewing process for dark beer follows the basic steps of mashing, boiling, fermenting, conditioning, and packaging, but it's the choice of malt and the roasting degree that truly define a dark beer's character.
Recommendations for good dark beer
For those eager to explore the rich flavours of dark beer, here are some top recommendations from Best of British Beer’s range:
The Dark Beer Collection: A specially curated case of 12 x 500ml bottles featuring some of the finest examples of British stouts, porters, milds, ruby ales, and dark beers. This collection features deep and delicious flavours that make dark beers a favourite among enthusiasts. With selections from breweries like Williams Brothers from Scotland, Staffordshire Brewery, and Keltek brewery based in Cornwall, it's a true representation of British dark beer craftsmanship.
15 Dark Beer Collection: Dive into the robust world of dark beers with our handpicked selection of 15 x 500ml bottles. Showcasing the best of British stouts, porters, milds, and ruby ales, this collection promises a diverse tasting experience. Featuring contributions from renowned breweries such as Lancaster Brewery, Weetwood Brewery, and Titanic Brewery, it's perfect for both newcomers and beer lovers.
Dark Beer Six-Pack: Perfect for those looking to sample the richness of the UK's dark beer scene, this six-pack includes 6 x 500ml bottles of the finest stouts, porters, milds, and ruby ales. With beers from respected independent breweries like Coach House Brewery and Cheddar Ales, this pack offers a glimpse into the depth and diversity of British brewing.
Whether for personal enjoyment or as a thoughtful gift, finding quality dark beer in the UK is easy with Best of British Beer. When buying dark beer, consider the preferences of the person you're purchasing for – whether they favour the rich intensity of a stout or the smooth subtlety of a mild. Don't forget to check for tasting notes and pairings to enhance the dark beer experience.
