Newcastle Winter IPA:
So one has to wonder what Newcastle has next in it’s seemingly ever expanding line-up of beers.  As this year grows thin on days we once again look at the frosty hollow of winter beers and pull out Newcastle Winter IPA.  The beer pours a medium red amber with a light tan head that leaves some good lacing on the glass and a light nose of caramel and hops.  The beer’s taste is a toned down ESB with only the slightest sense of hops and a clean back end taste that really doesn’t leave much of an impression on me.  I was really interested in this beer but after sampling this one, I’ve come to the conclusion the Newcastle just takes their basic beer (which is delicious in my humble opinion) and does…things to it.  First example was their founder’s ale which wasn’t that great but tolerable and the werewolf which I really wanted to be good but it was a let down as well and now we have a winter IPA.  You’d think that the country that invented the IPA could make a good IPA but not with this one, leaving just vague hints of hops underneath a strong malt taste.  You’d be best to avoid this one and that is why I’m here, to take the bullet of a bad beer for you good people.  You’re welcome