Tyne Bank turns to the dark side with first in a series of new beers

Tyne Bank Brewery is taking inspiration from Newcastle’s beery heritage and the long winter nights to launch the first of its new seasonal beers for 2014.

Dark Brown Ale will be on sale from January to April, before being replaced by a second seasonal dark beer.

“Our new Dark Brown Ale weighs in at 4.2% and should be great for the cold winter months,” said the brewery’s Sam Capper. “We’ve tried to give this iconic beer style, synonymous with the city of Newcastle a modern revival, brewing it in small batches with only the best quality ingredients.

“The beer is the first in a series of four dark beers, and will be available continuously between January and April, before we will replace it with a different dark beer.

“And these beers will compliment the rest of our core range nicely, offering a regular ale for those of you who enjoy their drinks on the darker side.”

However the brewery, on St Lawrence Road in Byker, Newcastle, hasn’t abandoned hop-heads, with a new monthly special – a single hopped Sorachi Ace IPA – also due out this month.

“It’s a new year and a new beer,” said Sam. “Our latest monthly special is a single hopped IPA at 5.2%, hopped with the delicious and intriguing Japanese hop, Sorachi Ace.

“High in alpha acids and rarely used in UK beers, this hop imparts a distinct citrus fruit flavour, particularly of lemon, and it has grown in popularity over the past few years after shortages of some western hop varieties.

“After 10 days dry hopping Sorachi Ace will be available mid January.”