Tasting Notes: Black Isle Brewery: Golden Eye Pale Ale

Black Isle Brewery: Golden Eye Pale Ale (Scotland: Golden Ale: 5.6% ABV)

Visual: Hazy orange gold with a massive long lasting head that leaves a lot of lace on the glass.

Nose: Hay, orange, yeasty and ginger cake. Some airy hops and paprika.

Body: Dry wood centre, quite bitter. Leaves and nettles. Slightly sludgy feel. Touch of malt and shredded wheat.

Finish: Bitter and hoppy, slight thickness and spinach.

Conclusion: A very forest and marsh influence pale beer and that’s not meant as a compliment.

The spinach elements to this beer is more a brick wall locking you away from any subtle flavours than an enticing element or refreshing break from the norm. You feel from the nose that there could be a good beer hidden away somewhere but the other elements conspire to make it sludgy and unappealing.

Overall a weak beer I’m afraid.