I suppose I’m going to have to start drinking earlier in the day to get these snaps, it was only quarter past 4 when I took this and it was already pitch black! With the unfortunate news of London heading into Tier 4 I guess I’ll have some more free time again. Anyways, today’s review is on a core range beer from acclaimed Leeds brewers Northern Monk. ‘Northern Star’ has just popped up in my local Morrisons and it’s a chocolate, caramel biscuit porter and I believe it’s the second edition of the brew. The popular Norse Star is a twist on this beer!

Pours jet black in the glass with a deep tan head. A gorgeous nose on the this beer that is very reminiscent of a caramel Digestive. All three of the descriptors on the can come through clearly on the aroma. On the body of the beer you get that caramel sweetness coming through without being sickly. Incredibly smooth drinking with the added lactose. A light bitter finish you like to see with a stout of porter.

A quick note on the can art: You probably get tired of how often I say I love these cans. Leeds bathed in a chocolate hue looks good enough to eat.

It’s a really good beer that much like ‘Stars and Stripes‘ is missing a little something to take it over the edge. The adjuncts used are providing a lovely aroma but don’t come through as clearly on the flavour. While the caramel is defiantly there the chocolate goes a tad missing for me and I don’t get much biscuit either. It is however very tasty and super smooth drinking with a nice malt richness and coffee touch. Arguably the ideal base porter for a core range.

Score: 7.5/10

Thanks for reading! Cheers!

Additional Information:

• Hops: Not Available
• Malt: Not Available
• IBU: 25
• ABV: 5.2%
• Gluten Free: No
• Vegan: No
• Purchase Price: £1.90
• Purchase Location: Morrisons