Glug M’glug Black Sheep

Black Sheep Brewery was founded in 1992 by Paul Theakston in Masham, North Yorkshire — a man who left the family brewing business (Theakston’s) to set up his own operation in the same town, which is either admirably principled or the most Yorkshire thing ever done. The brewery has built a devoted following for beers like Black Sheep Ale and Riggwelter, and Glug M’Glug is a seasonal release that captures their talent for producing characterful ales with a sense of occasion.

Tasting Notes

Glug M’Glug pours a rich dark amber-brown with a tan head and a nose that’s warm and inviting — toffee, dark malt, a hint of spice, and some dried fruit character that suggests something seasonal and celebratory. On the palate it’s full-bodied and satisfying: malt sweetness leads, with warm spice notes developing, and a long, smooth finish with some residual sweetness. It’s a beer that feels appropriate for marking occasions — New Year’s Day being the obvious example.

Verdict

Serve at cellar temperature and raise a glass to whatever you’re celebrating. Glug M’Glug is a wonderfully named seasonal ale from a brewery that knows how to make dark beers with genuine character. It’s a beer for fireside evenings and occasions that deserve something a bit more substantial than your everyday pint. Black Sheep at their most celebratory.