Plain Dark Beer
The brewery's first strong beer: a stout in the manner of the export stouts of the Victorian era, made with nothing but regular brewing ingredients. The grist combines Munich, dark and extra dark crystal, chocolate malt and roasted barley. It pours very black. Up front there is fruity, very dark chocolate; behind it come roast coffee, dark dried fruit and treacle, and the finish turns firmly bitter and toasty.
Tasting Notes
AI-generated sensory profile for Plain Dark Beer
Slightly warmer than you might expect. 10–13°C lets the roasted malt, chocolate and coffee notes open up fully.
The classic — versatile, comfortable to hold and keeps the beer cool. No frills, no distractions: just the beer.
Can be cellared 2–5 years. Develops dark fruit, leather and port-like complexity with age.
More from Newbarns Brewery
About Imperial Stout
Style guide · what to expect · how to find alternatives
What is a Imperial Stout?
Stouts are dark ales with roasted barley character, 4–8% ABV and IBU 25–45. Expect coffee, dark chocolate and toast flavors with a creamy body and dry finish.
Finding a similar Imperial Stout
hopIQ matches by flavor profile — not just style label. A beer with the same chocolate, bitter, toasty character as Plain Dark Beer will score highly even if brewed in a different country or under a different sub-style name.
