Buck It Amber Ale by Black Donkey Brewing defies conventional styles, blending influences from multiple brewing traditions. Based in Ballinlough, Co. Roscommon, Black Donkey Brewing was founded in 2014 by Richard Siberry and Michaela Dillon, and has been pushing boundaries ever since. Their Buck It Amber Ale showcases this innovative approach, combining Irish, Belgian, and German malts with the bold character of American hops to create a beer that’s both distinct and balanced.
At 4.7% ABV, Buck It is a medium-bodied amber ale with a brilliant amber colour and a creamy, inviting head. The aroma opens with a sweet maltiness, reminiscent of freshly baked bread, followed by a citrusy hint from the hops. Upon tasting, you’ll experience the rich layers of toffee and caramel that the malts provide, which are soon balanced by a refined hop bitterness that lingers just long enough without overpowering the palate.
Tasting Notes:
- Appearance: Vibrant amber, clear, with a consistent and creamy off-white head.
- Aroma: A mix of bready malts and fresh hops, offering both sweetness and a touch of citrus.
- Flavour: A smooth, malty sweetness from the caramel and toffee, transitioning into a balanced, hop-driven bitterness.
- Mouthfeel: Medium-bodied with a clean, refreshing finish that invites the next sip.
Brewery Information: Black Donkey Brewing began its journey in 2014 and quickly earned a reputation for its distinctive beers. The brewery prides itself on challenging traditional brewing conventions while still honouring the essence of classic beer styles. Their Buck It Amber Ale exemplifies this philosophy, combining brewing influences from across Europe and the US to create a beer that breaks the mould. Black Donkey also produces other popular craft beers, including their Sheep Stealer Farmhouse Ale and limited seasonal offerings.
Food Pairings:
- Cheese: Pairs beautifully with semi-hard cheeses like Gouda or aged cheddar, complementing the beer’s malt sweetness.
- Meats: Try with roast lamb, grilled steak, or BBQ ribs—the beer’s malty backbone and hop bitterness balance rich, meaty flavours.
- Desserts: The toffee notes in Buck It make it a great companion to caramel-based desserts like crème brûlée or sticky toffee pudding.
This versatile amber ale is perfect for those who enjoy complex, multi-layered beers. Whether sipping it with a meal or savouring it on its own, Buck It delivers a memorable experience.
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Beer Type: Amber Ale
ABV: 4.7%