WHEN a beer is touted as "the world’s most humorous beer!", you have to ask, what’s it taste like?
Is it the most humorous beer because it’s a joke or is it because that after a few, you lighten up and see the funny side of why the beer is called Good Bastards Dark Ale?
Brewed by the New Zealand-based West Coast Brewing Company, Good Bastards is a unique drop which, seriously, is a very good dark ale.
A rick black in appearance with a creamy head, Good Bastards Dark Ale has a slightly ‘burnt’ aroma which is a little sharp on the nose but that doesn’t translate through to the flavour which is smooth and full bodied.
There’s a hint of bitterness in the aftertaste and that makes it very moorish.
It doesn’t sit heavily in the gut even though it is a dark ale and is full strength at 4% though not as strong as some other dark ales on the market and boasts no sugars or preservatives – all natural.
It is a dark beer which sits closer to a porter than anything else and I would describe it as very satisfying rather than thirst quenching.
It is the type of beer you progress on to rather than start out with.
While relatively new in Australia, Good Bastards Dark Ale has been recognised in the Pacific basin, winning the award for bottled dark beer in 2002.
For that matter, it would possibly best go with a hearty rich stew or casserole or is a good drop to enjoy with a decent flavoured cheese and crackers.
For those looking for something to close the night out with, a Good Bastards Dark with a port would also be a good combination.
Whatever the case, after a few GB Darks, you could very well find yourselves fitting comfortably into the ‘Good Bastard’ category – depending on who you are with!
MY TIP
Being a dark beer, make sur this is nice and cold, very cold and it would be best served in a balloon type glass to appreciate the bouquet. It lends itself more to the cooler months which makes it about ideal for now and whether you enjoy it with a hearty meal, a robust cheese or on its own, make sure there is more than one in the fridge because you’ll find yourself coming back for another.
While not widely distributed (yet) Good Bastards can be found through the website at www.goodbastards.com