Special Mortal
Brasserie Mortal's Beers

Presentation: Sampled during an organized Brewery Visit to Brasserie Mortal’s Beers on Sunday 16th April, 2006. Served from the tap (but also available in bottles) in the adjoining Bar and Restaurant which opens to the public once a week on Sundays 11am – 9pm.

Special Mortal – Amber Ale brewed with Fruits. 5.3% ABV.


Appearance: Hard to say, because this was served in an Olde Worlde Earthenware stoneware pot which had the dripping words “Mortal’s Beers” on it in dark brown. A small sample decanted into an empty glass from a previous brew indicated that this is an amber offering with an off-white yellowy head. Good retention and average conditioning.

Nose: Mulched up freshly cut grass, raked lawns and freshly stained cricket whites abound. Gentle herbs and some soft spices litter the finish. Malts are in the background and dust the dry finish. Smells strangely familiar, never did put my finger on it, or even guess the herbs.

Taste: Sweet, sugary sweet, malts are fine but the sweetness is far too artificial. The middle has a parched dryness that strips the flavors for a short time. Finishes with some caramel and more candy sugar. Bitterness rises eventually in the swallow as does a nice herbal spice tingle but the astringent dryness is too much. Takes some realignment to get into this one, but I didn’t have the time or inclination to do so. Too many rough edges on this one.

Mouthfeel: Very thin, probably the thinnest of al the Mortal offerings. Water with a soaked burnt sugar feel at times. Off putting!

Drinkability: Average ‘home-brewed’ style amber ale that seemed to have more flaws than good points. I tried to get into this one, but failed. Left the last bit of it.

Overall: Pass, did not like this one at all. Fruity with an annoying parched rasping dryness. Far from “special”. Cool serving Jug though, but not a beer which I enjoyed.