Black Sheep Brewery - Black Sheep IPA - Aldi Beer Review

Review Date: 1/1/2022
Brewery Name: Black Sheep Brewery (Masham, UK)
Beer Name: Black Sheep IPA

We came across a few of Black Sheep Brewery's beers at our local Aldi store so thought we'd give them a try. This is the second of four beers we'll be reviewing from Black Sheep....

"Brewed using a blend of three new world hops: Simcoe, Citra and Columbus. Black Sheep IPA is a ferocious and hop-dominant IPA with fragrant notes of tropical fruits and citrus."

Black Sheep Brewery - Black Sheep IPA Bottle

General

Alcohol By Volume (ABV): 4.6% (Standard)

Label/Design: 6/10

Serving Style: Bottle

Region of Origin: British Isles (England, Wales, Scotland, Ireland)

Style Family: IPA

Malts/Adjuncts: Unknown

Hops: Simcoe, Citra, Columbus

Black Sheep Brewery - Black Sheep IPA Bottle Notes

IBU's: Unknown

Appearance

Colour: Pale Amber

Clarity

Brilliant

Clear

Slight Haze

Hazy

Collar of Foam & Head Retention

None

Poor (Up to 15 secs)

Moderate (15 - 60 secs)

Good (more than 60 secs)

Foam Texture

N/A

Thin

Fluffy

Mousse-Like

Carbonation (Visible)

None

Slow

Medium

Fast-Rising Bubbles

Alcohol Aroma

Not Detectable

Mild

Noticeable

Strong

Harsh

Aroma & Flavour

Esters Aroma: None
Phenols: None

Alcohol Taste:

Not Detectable

Mild

Noticeable

Strong

Harsh

Hop Pungency:

Mild

Moderate

Strong

Extreme

Hop Bitterness:

Restrained

Moderate

Aggressive

Harsh

Malt Sweetness:

Low

Medium

High

Cloying (Excessive)

Astringency: 

Low

Medium

High

Palate/Mouthfeel: 

Light Bodied (Thin/Watery)

Medium Bodied (Light + Full)

Full Bodied (Round, Rich & Creamy)

Palate Carbonation: 

Low

Medium

High

Length/Finish:

Short (Up to 15 seconds)

Medium (15 to 60 seconds)

Long (More than 60 seconds)

Oxidative/Aged Qualities: None

Black Sheep Brewery - Black Sheep IPA in the Craftd Alpha glass

Overall

Drinkability: 7/10

Overall Impression: 8/10

Notes

Definitely an improvement over the previous amber ale we reviewed. We'd summarize this as a UK version of an American IPA - there's still something British about it - perhaps the yeast or water profile? Or perhaps it's all in our head. In any case, the new world hops are unmistakable, and blend for an excellent combination of flavours - predominantly fruit but some pine and herbal notes mixed in. A little bit of sweetness from the malt as well rounds it all out nicely. Easy drinking at only 4.6% and medium-low carbonation, they could have upped the alcohol a bit I think but still very good nonetheless.