Big Drop Brewing Co. Woodcutter Brown Ale

Our Review

Chocolate and Coffee Notes - A Great Winter Ale

This is one of Big Drop's award-winning beers, and it's easy to see why. Poured into a glass it's a rich dark brown, echoing the chocolate and coffee flavour notes which we'll get to shortly. A small head forms, but quickly fades to a ring of fine bubbles around the perimeter of the glass. No big deal - most ale drinkers are happy to forgo a foamy head.

There's the subtle scent of malt and chocolate. The mouthfeel is warm and satisfying. The big flavour note is coffee, but it's not overpowering. It's not hoppy - nor is it bitter, scoring only 17 on the IBU scale. There's a caramel sweetness which builds, and it leaves a sweet taste on the lips.

The marketing blurb suggests pairing with a beef stew or similar - hearty winter grub. No doubt that'd be a good match. Whatever you drink yours with, I'm sure you'll find it an easy-drinking winter ale, and at 0.5% it's one you can go on drinking all night long, if you wish!

Big Drop brew to 0.5%. There's no removal of alcohol, halted fermentation or any other process that some breweries depend on to get down to low and no-alcohol. And in our opinion, Big Drop beers are all the better for it.

If it's cold outside and you're enjoying a delicious meal, a Woodcutter Brown Ale will hit the spot. It's a proper beer with just enough coffee and chocolate to let you know it's also something a little out of the ordinary.

Our Rating

Community Rating