Newcastle Beer: Where To Buy And Enjoy It

Newcastle Brown Ale is a brand of beer produced by Heineken International. The beer was first introduced in 1927 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England, by Newcastle Breweries. While it was originally produced in Newcastle, it is now brewed at the John Smiths Brewery in Tadcaster, North Yorkshire, and the Zoeterwoude Brewery in the Netherlands. In the United States, it can be purchased at Kroger, New Canaan Wine, and Uptown Beverage. In Canada, it can be found in Manitoba and other provinces.

Newcastle Brown Ale in the US

Newcastle Brown Ale is available in the US, but it's not the same recipe as the original UK version. Since 2019, the American version has been brewed by the Lagunitas Brewing Company in Petaluma, California, and Chicago, Illinois. It's still owned by Heineken, which also owns Lagunitas.

The US version of Newcastle Brown Ale has a noticeably different taste compared to the original. It's brewed with Centennial and Chinook hops, which makes it hoppier than the original. It's also slightly roasty, with a unique blend of pale and roasted malts, and has an ABV of 4.7%.

You can buy Newcastle Brown Ale in the US in 12-ounce bottles, which come in 6- and 12-packs. It's available at various retailers, including Total Wine & More, New Canaan Wine, and Woods Wholesale Wine.

If you're looking for the original UK version of Newcastle Brown Ale, it's no longer available in the US. Some people suggest travelling to Canada to get the original, as it's more widely available there.

Buying Newcastle beer in Canada

Newcastle Brown Ale is available in Canada and can be purchased in short and tall bottles, as well as cans. It can also be found on draught in many British-themed pubs across the country.

Newcastle Brown Ale, originally brewed in Newcastle upon Tyne, England, has a long history dating back to 1927. It is known for its rich, full-bodied flavour and slightly sweet finish. The beer has gone through several changes in ownership and brewing locations over the years, but it remains a popular choice for beer enthusiasts in Canada and around the world.

In recent years, there have been concerns among fans of the beer about changes to the recipe. In 2019, Lagunitas Brewing Company, a subsidiary of Heineken, began producing a version of Newcastle Brown Ale specifically for the US market. This new version has been described as noticeably different in taste compared to the original, and some drinkers have expressed disappointment with the change.

However, the good news for Canadian fans of Newcastle Brown Ale is that the beer available in Canada is still brewed in Tadcaster, Yorkshire, for the export market. This means that Canadians can continue to enjoy the traditional taste of Newcastle Brown Ale that they know and love.

When purchasing Newcastle Brown Ale in Canada, it is important to check the label to ensure you are getting the beer brewed in the UK. The Canadian version will have all the UK information on the label and clearly state that it is from the United Kingdom. This attention to detail will ensure that you are getting the authentic Newcastle Brown Ale experience.

Heineken's ownership of Newcastle

Heineken N.V. is a Dutch multinational brewing company founded in 1864 by Gerard Adriaan Heineken in Amsterdam. Heineken owns over 165 breweries in more than 70 countries, producing 348 beers and ciders and employing approximately 85,000 people. It is the number one brewer in Europe and one of the largest brewers in the world by volume.

Following the acquisition, Heineken became the owner of several S&N brands, including Newcastle Brown Ale. Heineken's ownership of Newcastle faced some challenges, as the beer's production and branding were closely tied to its Newcastle provenance. In 2005, before Heineken's acquisition, S&N had already moved brewing out of Newcastle for the first time, shifting production to the Federation Brewery in Gateshead. This move led to a loss of protected status under EU rules designed to ensure the geographical integrity of goods.

In October 2009, Heineken announced the closure of the Federation Brewery in Gateshead, moving production to Tadcaster, North Yorkshire. This decision resulted in job losses and sparked discussions about the impact on the Newcastle Brown Ale brand, which had traded off its Newcastle origins. Despite these challenges, Heineken has continued to produce and distribute Newcastle Brown Ale, and it remains a recognisable brand associated with its historical roots.

Newcastle beer in the UK

Newcastle Brown Ale is a popular beer in the UK, with a long history dating back to 1927 when it was first launched in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. Over the years, the brewing location has changed, but the beer remains a staple in the UK, especially in the North East of England, where it is strongly associated with the local area.

Where to Buy Newcastle Beer in the UK

Newcastle Brown Ale is widely available in the UK and can be found in most major supermarkets, off licences, and pubs, especially in the North East of England. It is one of the leading bottled ales in the United Kingdom, with annual sales of around 100,000 hL.

History of Newcastle Beer

Newcastle Brown Ale was created by Lieutenant Colonel James ('Jim') Herbert Porter, a third-generation brewer at Newcastle Breweries. The beer was the result of three years of development, with Porter refining the recipe alongside chemist Archie Jones. Despite Porter initially believing that the beer was a failure, it became a success, winning a gold medal at the 1928 Brewers Exhibition in London.

Over the years, the brand has changed hands several times, with Scottish Brewers merging with Newcastle Breweries in 1960, and Heineken buying Scottish and Newcastle in 2008. Despite the changes in ownership, Newcastle Brown Ale remains a popular beer in the UK, with a strong following, especially in its home region.

Recent Developments

In recent years, there have been some changes to the brewing process and location. In 2015, the caramel colouring, which had been used since the beer's launch, was removed for health reasons, and roasted malt was used instead to darken the beer. There has also been some controversy over recipe changes, particularly in the US market, where Lagunitas Brewing Company, a Heineken subsidiary, produces a different version of Newcastle Brown Ale with a noticeably different taste.

Substitutes for Newcastle beer

Newcastle Brown Ale is a unique blend of light and dark malts, creating a smooth, balanced flavour that is not too bitter or sweet. It is a popular beer, but if you are unable to get your hands on some, there are several substitutes that have been recommended by beer enthusiasts.

Firstly, if you are in the United States, it is worth noting that the recipe for Newcastle has changed, and it is now brewed by Lagunitas. If you are looking for the original taste, you may need to look outside the US. However, there are several brown ales that are available in the US that have been suggested as substitutes for the original Newcastle. These include Samuel Smith Brown Ale, Brooklyn Brown, and Shiner Bock. Samuel Smith Nut Brown Ale has been described as "pretty easy to come by" and "not too bad", while Brooklyn Brown is "pretty good". Shiner Bock has been described as "the best alternative".

Other brown ales that have been recommended as substitutes for Newcastle include Ellie's Brown Ale by Avery Brewing, Bell's Best Brown Ale, Big Sky's Moose Drool, Abita's Turbodog, and Southern Pecan by Lazy Magnolia Brewing. These beers are all American, except for Samuel Smith, which is English.

If you are looking for a non-brown ale substitute, Negra Modelo and Dos Equis Amber have been recommended as "quasi IPAs with a redesigned Newcastle bottle and label".

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