Long Black

Long Black, from Picton’s 555 Brewing Co., is billed as “a deceivingly easy drinking black ale”. It’s brewed with Cherry Bomb Coffee, and clocks in at 4.5% and 55 IBUs.

My pint arrived looking black and opaque, with a thin cap of tan head. The beer had a profoundly coffee-soaked aroma on top of rich malt notes. The beer is quite bitter, owing more to coffee than to hops. As well, there is considerable representation of well-roasted hops, chocolate, and a streak of something sweet and floral. The copy on the tap list likened it to a hint of elderflower, which seems credible.

While I was sitting on the patio enjoying my pint, a guy at the table next to me was working on a flight and enthusiastically polished off all except Long Black, which he clearly did not enjoy. Given that I thought it was a pretty solid and enjoyable little ale, I can only conclude that this is a divisive offering. But if you’re in Prince Edward County and in the mood for a dark ale with some character, I’d say give it a spin.

Rating: 8.0 out of 10.