Out & A Bout Pale Ale
Newstead Brewing Co.

I’ve sort of avoided this American Pale Ale from Newstead Brewing previously because, well, it just ain’t all that. But now it’s in a can, a free can gifted to me by Newstead reps. Plus they say the recipe has changed - it’s been beefed up to 5.2% ABV, and the can is as fresh as... about 2 weeks ago - not bad at all. Hopefully the recipe change has done wonders because I remember trying this on tap at Newstead ages ago and it was nothing worth remembering then (well it was OK, but OK doesn’t cut mustard in the sea of Pale Ales out there). I must say the new can marketing reminds me somewhat of a certain other brewer in Teneriffe that does cans *cough*GreenBeacon*cough*, I guess “if you can’t beat ‘em join ‘em” was the design committee motto that day [my snark levels are off the chart today!].

Poured from a 375ml can into a nonic pint.

A: Slight hazed golden body with a rather excitable sea foam white head that compacts slowly leaving a touch of lace on the side of the glass. If there was an award for looking like a standard (i.e. a 7/10) APA - this would win it. 7/10.

S: A nice light confected stone fruit character mingles with a touch of floral hops, a muted biscuit malt base, and a hint of orange blossom. Overall aroma could do with a dial up, but otherwise this is an OK aroma. Still a bit bland though. 7/10.

T: Flavours a bit average... again wasn’t expecting much, but it’s better than how I remember it (before I wouldn’t have bought another schooner of this, but now I might be persuaded if there isn’t anything better on tap). Less stone fruit - more citrus and floral hops than in the aroma. Malt base needs to be amped a little as the hops get ever so slightly sharp towards the finish/aftertaste. Still it’s never OTT in any regard, which is in fact part of the problem. 5/10.

M: Mid to light, slightly thin bodied, with a light/crisp carbonation. Texture is left wanting of more body - but I can level this argument at many APAs. 6/10.

D: Well it’s better than I remember it - which is good because I really wasn’t a fan of the original Out & a Bout. Has it improved enough to bring it up to the level of Modus/Pirate Life? No. It’s not even as tasty as Slipstream’s Magic Mile Pale Ale - and they’re a small-time brewer. Towards the end of this can my mouth ended up with a real potpourri flavour lingering on - which I actually don’t mind, so that’s a positive note to end this review on. I’ve still got a free can of the IPA to go - fingers crossed with that one. 7/10.

Food match: Chicken dishes, salads, zesty stuff... seafood? Maybe yes.