"Bitch Please" by 3 Floyds and BrewDog - plus Nerotype Single Hop Black IPA by SWB

When I returned home on Saturday to a bare fridge that matched my empty stomach I felt safe in the knowledge I could take a short walk into town and treat my self to a perfectly cooked, thick-cut rump steak and chips from one of my favourite places in Leeds - Mr Foley's Cask Ale House. They serve proper, well cooked, reasonably priced pub grub and their rump steak is better than some I've paid twice as much for. At around £8 it's a total bargain. Washed down with a few pints of Wharfebank Wispa IPA it was just what the doctor ordered.

An added bonus was that I'd been exchanging tweets with Dean from Mr Foley's (
@mrfoleys) about Summer Wine Brewery's Nerotype Single Hop (Simcoe) Black IPA, and he offered to give me a little taster before it was put onto the bar. This beer blogging malarky has it's perks right?

Despite not having any head (served by gravity straight from the barrel with no beer engine or spinkler to churn it up) the beer looked fantastic, dark yet crystal clear. It's an unusual one this. It does have a slight smokeyness but mainly the aroma and flavour are dominated by big passionfruity simcoe hops,very aromatic like fresh mango, not hugely bitter but slightly dry in the finish. If you closed your eyes you could be forgiven for thinking you were drinking a regular IPA. Also very different to a hoppy porter, which I've heard some say Black IPA's are similar to, with the fruity hops making this instantly recognisable as an IPA, regardless of it's tint.

With a full belly and an afternoon to fill, myself and drinking companion decided a wander over to
North Bar was in order. Which is where things got really interesting...

I spotted it as soon as I walked in, a slapdash badge made up of half 3 Floyds Logo and half BrewDog, "this looks interesting..." After speaking to the ever reliable bar staff in North Bar I was told it was the "Bitch Please" Barley Wine that BrewDog made in collaboration with the famous (or infamous?) 3 Floyds Brewery from the US. I remembered hearing about this last year but never thought I'd get to try any having not seen the bottles on sale anywhere, and here was the even more special Rum Oak Barrel aged version on tap right in front of me. A rare find not to be missed, and it seemed my timing was perfect, my second half being the last pulled out of the keg and then, as they say, it was gone...

The video below explains the ingredients and brewing process much better than I ever could, so watch that, then have a read of what I thought of the finished beer.


BrewDog & Three Floyds: Bitch Please from BrewDog on Vimeo.

This a big, thick, full bodied, barley wine and it looks just that in the glass. It's very merky and dense with a definate unfiltered cloudy look to it, very little light gets through but the colour is deep brown with a red tinge at the edges. I'm a big supporter of flavour over crystal clarity, particularly in big beers like this, so if this is the way to get maximum flavour in to the beer I can forgive it being a bit cloudy. Plus it was served by keg so however it looks is pretty much as the brewers wants it, and these are two brewers I think can be trusted.

The smell is amazing. It's hugely sweet smelling with masses of toffee, shortbread, malt chocolate, molasses and treacle. I've had beers before that have claimed to have some whacky ingredients, only to have those flavours or aromas distinctly abscent from the finished product. Bitch Please is definately the other end of the spectrum, everything they've put in, you can clearly recognise.

The overrriding flavour is of sweet, rich, chewy toffee, complex biscuity malt and shortbread, with a slight vanilla note coming from the oak ageing I'd assume, and warmth from the alcohol (10.1%ABV if I remember rightly). A slight chocolate flavour comes in aswell but it's faint and rides alongside the malt more than being a standalone flavour like the toffee and shortbread. You can detect the rum a little as well, but not so much as other Rum Barrel aged beers I've tried, probably because this beer had so much flavour when it went in to the barrel that the Rum adds a hum rather than a wallop of boozy flavour.

Bitch Please is very thick and has a fantastic mouth coating texture that is genuinely a bit chewy, it's a term I hate seeing banded around as it stinks of pretention, but honestly in this case it is extremly apt. Amazingly for a beer of this strength it held a small, tight head right down to the bottom as well which is something I didnt expect. The finish is very long and drying with the hops only really coming through after the beer has left your mouth, which is perfect timing as it cleans your mouth of all that toffee ready for another chew.

It's an amazing achievement, a huge beer designed to be sipped, but that drinks extremely smoothly and easily, with a little alcohol warmth but no burn, and a huge amount of right-on-the-money flavours to pick up on. It's a contender to my long reigning champion " favourite big beer" Brooklyn Black Chocolate Stout, but luckily Bitch Please goes in a completely different direction in terms of style. A tricky decision well side stepped I'd say.



17 comments:

  1. well, sounds like a great beer day! the brewdog sounds amazing, and i've yet to try a black ipa, you make it sound very interesting, especially the comments about the difference to hoppy porters.

    ReplyDelete
  2. I've had a few Black IPA's and it's a style I usually enjoy (despite the somewaht oxymoronic name). Nerotype is really fruity tasting though
    which is fairly unusual for a Black IPA, which in my experience are more dry and bitter hop flavoured rather than fruity hop flavoured, as
    this would seem to go better with the smokiness of the roasted malts. Which often makes them taste a bit like a hoppy porter. The Nerotype isnt like that, but is a great beer, I really liked it, it's just a bit unusual.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Tried to get some of the Bitch Please before it ran dry, but alas, all good things have to end. (was replaced by Hardcore IPA though :) ) Had the Nerotype on the same day - best beer of the day by far! too strong for more than a pint though.

    ReplyDelete
  4. I want to always read your blogs. I love them Are you also searching for Nursing case study writing services? we are the best solution for you. We are best known for delivering Nursing case study writing services to students without having to break the bank

    ReplyDelete
  5. Good blog.Are you also searching for Help With My Nursing Paper? we are the best solution for you. We are best known for delivering nursing writing services to students without having to break the bank.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Mobile plumbers are skilled in addressing a variety of plumbing issues, including leaks, pipe repairs, clogged drains, sewer problems, and fixture installations.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Indulge in the luxury of elizavecca hair treatment – goodbye to dull hair days

    ReplyDelete
  8. Looking to grow your Facebook following? <a href="https://www.likesgeek.com/buy-facebook-likes/>buy fb likes</a> to kickstart your journey and increase the visibility of your posts. It's a game-changer!

    ReplyDelete
  9. gamak motor suppliers in uae consistently provide top-notch products and services. Their commitment to quality and reliability is commendable, making them a trusted choice for businesses in the region. The efficiency and durability of Gamak Motors make them a preferred option for various industrial applications. With a strong presence in the UAE market, Gamak Motor suppliers play a pivotal role in supporting the diverse needs of businesses, contributing to the growth and success of the industrial sector in the region. Overall, their reputation for excellence makes them a reliable partner for sourcing electric motors in the UAE.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Electric gear is the heartbeat of modern technology, powering our daily lives with seamless efficiency. From sleek smartphones to cutting-edge electric vehicles, these gears propel us into a future of innovation. With silent precision, they transform electrical energy into tangible advancements, driving progress and connectivity. The hum of electric gears harmonizes with our fast-paced world, orchestrating a symphony of convenience and capability. In their intricate dance, electric gears symbolize the pulse of technological evolution. electriicgear.com

    ReplyDelete
  11. Pro Click Speed is an absolute game-changer, setting a new standard for efficiency in every click. Its precision and responsiveness elevate user experience, making tasks a breeze. The ergonomic design ensures comfort during prolonged use, a crucial factor for professionals. With Pro Click Speed, every click is not just a command but a seamless extension of intent, enhancing productivity. It's not just a mouse; it's a tool that empowers and accelerates workflow.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Pro Click Speed is an absolute game-changer, setting a new standard for efficiency in every click. Its precision and responsiveness elevate user experience, making tasks a breeze. The ergonomic design ensures comfort during prolonged use, a crucial factor for professionals. With proclickspeed.com, every click is not just a command but a seamless extension of intent, enhancing productivity. It's not just a mouse; it's a tool that empowers and accelerates workflow.

    ReplyDelete
  13. "Unlocking the Power of Imagination with Neville Goddard" is a captivating exploration of the transformative teachings of Neville Goddard. The article delves into the profound impact of harnessing one's imagination as a tool for manifesting desired outcomes in life. It skillfully highlights Goddard's unique perspective on the mind's creative power and its potential to shape reality. This insightful piece serves as a compelling guide for those seeking to unlock their full potential through the imaginative faculties that lie within us. A thought-provoking read that inspires a deeper understanding of the connection between imagination and manifestation.

    ReplyDelete
  14. "Wildlife removal toronto provides essential services to protect both urban residents and wildlife. Their expert team ensures safe and humane removal of nuisance animals from homes and properties. With their knowledge of local wildlife behavior, they mitigate potential conflicts effectively. Trustworthy and efficient, they play a crucial role in maintaining harmony between humans and wildlife in Toronto. For prompt and reliable wildlife management solutions, look no further than Wildlife Removal Toronto."

    ReplyDelete
  15. "Dfruit is a game-changer in the world of health and nutrition. Its innovative approach to delivering essential vitamins and minerals through delicious fruit-based snacks is revolutionary. With dfruit.co, maintaining a balanced diet has never been easier or tastier. Say goodbye to artificial supplements and hello to natural goodness. Dfruit is truly a game-changer for anyone seeking a healthier lifestyle."

    ReplyDelete
  16. "Webkiks is a versatile platform that offers a range of web development solutions. With its user-friendly interface and customizable features, it caters to both beginners and experienced developers alike. The diverse array of templates and plugins make designing websites a breeze. Moreover, its robust support system ensures that users have assistance every step of the way. Overall, Webkiks https://www.webkiks.com/ is a valuable tool for anyone looking to create stunning websites with ease."

    ReplyDelete
  17. Make your event unforgettable with our exquisite flower walls to hire. Perfect for weddings, corporate events, or any special occasion, our stunning flower walls serve as the ultimate backdrop to elevate the ambiance and create lasting memories. Available for hire, our versatile flower walls add a touch of elegance and charm to any venue, transforming it into a captivating floral paradise that will leave a lasting impression on your guests.

    ReplyDelete