Newcastle Werewolf - The Caledonian Brewery Company Limited

imasloth

Texas

3.35/5  rDev +4%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5

A- An amber beer with a surprisingly white , foamy thin head. Light carbonation and sparse lacing.

S- Earthy and vegetal. Maybe like beets ... Some sweetness and light malt, don't know if I get the rye the label mentioned.

T- A light maltiness and the earthy characteristic. A bit of fruitiness (hard to place and only slight rye in the finish. I'd be more into this flavor if it were just bigger in each component. It's all very subdued ...

M- Light to medium, a bit watery in the finish. Some dryness after swallow.

O- Meh ... after the Guinness Black Lager and this, I'm wondering what all the English complain about American beer for.

Serving type: bottle

08-04-2012 23:50:16 | More by imasloth

ikantspel

California

3.05/5  rDev -5.3%
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3

12 oz bottle into a pint glass

pours a clear reddish-amber color with a robust creamy head

smokey malts, caramel, and some slight dark fruits

pretty much mostly malts in the taste. some sweet caramel

mouthfeel is really light. taste like a light beer but in a good way

not bad. not good. but not bad

Serving type: bottle

09-03-2012 04:51:44 | More by ikantspel

bourbonbock

New York

3.08/5  rDev -4.3%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 3.25

Poured a 12 oz bottle of this beast into a clean pint glass.

A. Perfectly clear with a deep garnet red body topped with a finger or two of fluffy white head.

S. Funky magic hat like yeast aroma and when smelled more closely gently floral hop bouquet.

T. The flavor on this is very earthy and mineral-ly with a nuttiness and sweet background.

M. Light but tangy on the sides of the tongue. Very prominent aftertaste.

I'm glad I tried this but I don't think I will ever buy it again.

Serving type: bottle

03-30-2013 20:58:28 | More by bourbonbock

Vashtar

Texas

3.4/5  rDev +5.6%
look: 2 | smell: 2 | taste: 4 | feel: 3 | overall: 4

Caramelized malt, chocolate and vanilla. It tastes like a nice dessert beer.

Clear medium-dark brown. Not much lacing or head retention

Smells really sweet and vanilla. A bit offensive for a beer.

The mouthfeel is thick and slow

Overall, it's a nice beer for a casual/fun party

Serving type: bottle

10-31-2012 23:27:56 | More by Vashtar

mikechance

California

3.15/5  rDev -2.2%
look: 3 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3

Pours to a faint rust color, but not the deep red promised --- has about quarter inch head. Malts and berries in the nose. Definately pickup the berries in the taste --- slightly bitter and sour in the aftertaste. Overall a decent beer and easy to drink --- works well in Sacramento where the fall is mostly 90+ degrees.

Serving type: bottle

08-14-2011 20:09:01 | More by mikechance

GregBlatz

Ohio

3.55/5  rDev +10.2%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 4

A - Very clear copper red with a tan head. Head is fluffy and has big bubbles.

S - Butter, toffee, sweet grain and a faint whiff of earthy hops.

T - Buttery, metallic and somewhat bitter. It finishes very clean and maybe a bit astringent. The rye adds a nice touch of spice to a pretty sessionable ale.

M - Thin with light carbonation.

O - This seems like it might be best categorized as an English Mild. It is a very drinkable beer with some nice flavor. I'll try it again for a change of pace. This would really excel if you are having a good afternoon session at the pub.

Serving type: bottle

08-20-2012 22:33:37 | More by GregBlatz

Megahertz

Missouri

3.6/5  rDev +11.8%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 4

11.2z bottle dated May 31, 2012.

A - Impressive deep red pour, crystal clear with high carbonation. Moderate very light colored head forms and falls quickly. Very good, as described.

S - Caramel. Lots of caramel. English ale esters - traditional dark fruits. Mild funky english hop note - fuggles?

T - High carb hits hard with the english hops up front. Mild toasted bread and caramel in the mid, followed by a nice english hop flavor. Old-style bitter hops in the end help balance the sweet finish.

M - Light body with high carbonation. Spritzy. Helps to enjoy at english temperatures.

O - What a nice fall beer. A different take than an octoberfest or pumpkin. I like it. It is hard to find here in St. Peters.

Serving type: bottle

08-14-2012 20:16:29 | More by Megahertz

CMUbrew

Michigan

3.28/5  rDev +1.9%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Bottle into a Sam Adams pint glass

A: Pours with a decent white head, but it fades into a small ring very quickly. The body is a clear, dark copper color.

S: Earthy hoppiness is about all I get.

T: Some light earthy hops and tannic tea flavors. Seems like it sticks to style. Thin flavors overall though.

M: Light bodied and a little bit watery. Carbonation is fine. Slightly drying finish.

O: This beer seems to follow style, but in a pretty weak way.

Serving type: bottle

11-01-2012 04:04:51 | More by CMUbrew

RedneckBeerz

North Carolina

3.7/5  rDev +14.9%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

Poured from a 12 ozer. into a Bear Republic pint and the brew is a reddish amber, with a nice 2 finger off white head and nice layered lacing on the glass.

The aroma is rye, malts, and a touch of sweetness.

The flavor follows the nose although it is more sweet than the spicey rye that I was expecting. The toastiness is here, but it isn't a strong presence.

The mouthfeel is medium light with light carbination and a dry finish. This one hits alot of points per beer style, but of the few Irish Red's I've tryed it tends to be a hair to sweet of a style for me.

An easy drinker for sure, it needs a bit more hops to make this style one that I would gravitate towards. Per style description this to me is a B brew.

Serving type: bottle

01-17-2012 13:51:45 | More by RedneckBeerz

hoppyweasel311

California

2.83/5  rDev -12.1%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 2 | overall: 2.5

Was excited to see this one.. but again Newcastle has let me down again... On the bottle it says "Blood red ale".. it pours a reddish-brown color.. smells a little funky... way too carbonated for my liking. This beer is a step up from their summer ale which was just gross. I wish I could find 6 packs of this.. all they had was a 12.. so I have 11 of these boring beers taking up room in my beer fridge.

Serving type: bottle

08-17-2011 22:55:40 | More by hoppyweasel311

The_1084

3.35/5  rDev +4%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5

A - Pours a nice transparent amber color; a small head that dissipates rather quickly; some sticky lacing with high activity levels of carbonation.

S - Some mild hints of caramel and hops.

T - Presence of hops upfront, balanced nicely with a sweet taste of toffee/caramel.

M - Light-bodied with medium carbonation; has a dry finish with a mildly bitter aftertaste.

O - Not a bad red ale; has an easy drinkability with nice flavor.

Serving type: bottle

08-25-2012 22:40:21 | More by The_1084

davecavemaster

Ohio

3.45/5  rDev +7.1%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5

It is marketed as a "blood red ale," due to the Rye Malt that is used in its brewing. In reality, it is more of a orange/brown with maybe a bit of red highlight if you hold it up to a light.

It pours with a decent beige head that sticks around while you drink it. There is minimal lacing, but some.

There is a berry, fruit smell to this beer. You can also smell the malt and European hops (this is after all an ale.) Some earthy traces as well.

I got a deep fruity taste from this beer first. It is quickly followed by the toasty malt and then a slightly bitter finish.

The beer has low carbonation, and a refreshing mouthfeel to it.

At the end of the day, I found this to be a pretty tasty beer. I think I would have enjoyed a bit stronger of a taste..maybe more hops, or maybe just have one of the flavor profiles be more pronounced. But overall, a good beer. It won't be at the top of any of my lists, but I can see buying another six of this somewhere down the line.

Serving type: bottle

08-12-2012 22:49:19 | More by davecavemaster

dunit697

California

3.13/5  rDev -2.8%
look: 4 | smell: 2 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 3.5

I actually liked this beer quite a bit more than my score may show. I enjoy the experience of different kinds of beer and Newcastle is a decent beer. Their Newcastle didn't disappoint me, but didn't knock my socks off either. The best thing about this beer was probably its appearance to me. I would recommend the beer to try out to others though if your looking for something new.

Serving type: bottle

12-13-2011 19:23:12 | More by dunit697

lilnardey

California

3.48/5  rDev +8.1%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5

Poured a dark amber color. Not really red as the label suggests. Decent looking head with a good amount of lacing.

Really earthy aroma from this one. Also smells a bit roasted.

Tastes similar to the smell. Toasted nuts, earthy hops, and a little bite.

A decent beer, but once is probably enough for me unless its free.

Serving type: bottle

01-16-2012 01:16:20 | More by lilnardey

fallopia

Indiana

2.18/5  rDev -32.3%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 1.5 | feel: 2 | overall: 2

Poured from a chilled bottle into a footed ale glass.

Appearance: A pleasant, caramel-golden brown with a off-white creamy head that dissipates relatively quickly.

Smell: A fresh yeast smell with hints of rye and spices

Taste: Weak flavors of grains, pepper, and cloves with a cloying, bitter aftertaste

Mouthfeel: Low carbonation and lighter body with a slight oily feeling

Overall, the appearance and aroma set up expectations that the taste couldn't back up. A poor substitute to the standard Newcastle Brown Ale.

Serving type: bottle

11-04-2012 01:33:43 | More by fallopia

justinjj1280

Georgia

3.68/5  rDev +14.3%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Saw this as a single at my local liquor store today. Newcastle Brown was a gateway beer for me, and a go-to beer before I got heavily into craft. My last few experiences with it have been mediocre, but I was intrigued to see a new offering from them on the shelf, so I had to pick it up.

Pours a deep, transparent amber to red with an off-white somewhat creamy head that retains well. Fair amount of lacing.

Right away, it smells of berries and bready malt, nothing that blows you away, but it is pleasant.

Rye malt and berries are prevalent in the flavor. There isn't as much bitterness as the bottle said to expect, just enough to make it balanced.

It's smooth in the mouth, starts off creamy, then seems to dry a bit and finish more crisp. Very drinkable.

Enjoyed this one. It's a bit of a nostalgia trip that takes me back to a time when Newcastle tasted (to me) like a top-notch beer. I would welcome this every fall (it's a fall beer I'm drinking in late summer) or even year-round, and would be happy to buy a sixer.

Serving type: bottle

07-26-2011 01:00:24 | More by justinjj1280

sergio1va

California

4.22/5  rDev +31.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Pours a brownish red with a beige head. The front taste of this beer is a well balance of malts. The ending taste highlights the bitterness described on its label. Bitterness is not too overwhelming and appears balanced enough to enjoy several bottles of this brew. The mouthfeel is of a dry feel with a hoppy aftertaste.

Serving type: bottle

08-04-2011 07:05:00 | More by sergio1va

GeoJ

Virginia

2.25/5  rDev -30.1%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 2 | feel: 1.5 | overall: 2

Poured into a pint glass. Nice copper color, 1-finger head that disappears quickly. Minimal lacing.

Faint aroma that is puzzling to me ... Malt? Berries? Really not strong enough to put my finger on it.

Taste is a quick malty/citrus jolt that is immediately overpowered by the carbonation. Nice bitterness on the finish, but nowhere near the malty, nutty flavors I would expect from an English Brown Ale.

Waaay too much carbonation, to the point where it feels (and tastes) like seltzer water with a spritz of ale tossed in.
A pretty tasteless and unsatisfying brew.

Does not compare on any level to my favorite Brown Ale by Legend Brewing of Richmond VA.

Serving type: bottle

08-28-2011 22:52:06 | More by GeoJ

UncleAddie

Arizona

2.83/5  rDev -12.1%
look: 3 | smell: 4 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 2.5

A: Amber, thin head leaving a little on the outer of a glass
S: Malty, Fruity, Rye, possible hint of lemon
T: Good flavor up front, lingering bite.
M: Smooth with light carbonation.
O: Decent beer. When compared to Newcaste Brown Ale, it does not measure up. Glad I only bought a single. Would recommend it to try at least once.

Serving type: bottle

09-26-2011 01:20:51 | More by UncleAddie

Hex

3.65/5  rDev +13.4%
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

A - Right off the bat, this beer is a beautiful reddish brown... but has no real head. maybe a quarter finger, practically no real lacing either. It just falls down.

S - doesn't smell like newcastle... actually smells like an Irish Red, one thats really far away. They scents are so faint it is hard for me to tell any of them apart but that just may be me.

T - Nice flavor of berries, and just maybe some plum or prune.This beer's flavors really save its butt. Also has a bitterness that reminds me of Guinness. Here you may fall in love.

M - Also an amazing aspect of this beer is its mouthfeel. For flavors this bold the beer is remarkably light bodied, with a medium carbonation. Goes down dangerously easy.

O - over all this is a seasonal beer that i personaly am glad to have tried. If it never went away it wouldnt be as good so get while you can this fall.

Serving type: bottle

08-31-2012 02:52:14 | More by Hex

Sheepdog

Arizona

2.98/5  rDev -7.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 3

A= Deep ruby brown color, nice foamy head

S= Nuts, Toasty malts

T= Like a Newcastle with a berry slight berry taste. To much of a sugary after taste on my tongue. Metallic.

M= Werewolf had a light medium body with low carbonation. Not to my liking.

O= I rather have a regular Newcastle. Not very drinkable. My Wife seemed to enjoy it so I would only buy again if she requested it. No wonder my friend gave it to me as a parting gift When I left his house.

Serving type: bottle

11-28-2011 04:39:09 | More by Sheepdog

Windigo

Virginia

2.83/5  rDev -12.1%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3

Oooooh, this be a bitter red ale, folks. It reminds me of Old Speckled Hen...and for those of you who enjoy the bitterness, more power to you. I brought this on tap at work for the Fall season. The name sold it as did the fact it was a child of the Newcastle Family. But not all Nukes are created equal. Through the "Bartending Grapevine" I have heard this most recent batch did not sell as well as the last. All heresay, sure, but unless my Beer Geeks beg me to bring it back at our pub, I'm not doin' it.

Serving type: on-tap

11-28-2011 20:21:02 | More by Windigo

aelthwin

North Carolina

4.15/5  rDev +28.9%
look: 5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Poured into a weizen glass from the bottle

The packaging says it's blood red, and holding it up to daylight I agree (holding it up to flourescent light, maybe not). The color is deep and beautiful.

Mouthfeel was great, except it was a little more carbonated than I prefer.

The head was about three-quarter inch, nice and dense...

The taste is great. Starts out with a mellow english brown and moves into a nice bitter with slightly chocolate overtones.

All in all, one of the best beers I've had this summer.

Serving type: bottle

07-24-2011 16:33:35 | More by aelthwin

enoerew

3.43/5  rDev +6.5%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 3.5

- A: White head at 1", ring lacing, orange body, orange-red by light; advertised as blood red, not quite

- S: Floral, berry, menthol

- T: Fruity, lingering hoppiness after swallowing, bitter orange

- M: Light body, clean but bitter, feeling of alcohol vapor remains

- O: Curious color and hoppiness. Better than the average beer, and more interesting than Killian's.

Serving type: bottle

08-24-2012 01:23:09 | More by enoerew

tajiandemello

California

3.25/5  rDev +0.9%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3

I have always been a fan of Newcastle Brown Ale. It's one of those beers my dad always drank when I was growing up and actually one of the first beers I tried on my own. When I came across Newcastle Werewolf, I HAD to try it. I threw it in my shopping cart and drove home as fast as I could. Unfortunately, the store that I bought it at only had it out as a special, so it wasn't cold. I immediately threw it in my freezer when I got home so that it would get cold ASAP. after about fifteen minutes I couldn't take it anymore. I opened the freezer door and pulled a bottle out. I cracked it open and poured it into a glass. I took one long whiff of the smell and thought to myself, that isn't great, but I bet the beer is. So I poured it into my mouth and let it sit there for a second before swallowing it down and waiting for the aftertaste.

All in all? Meh. I was expecting a lot more, but it could have been a lot less.

Serving type: bottle

09-07-2011 22:27:53 | More by tajiandemello