The last time I had a beer from Scottish brewers Williams Brothers was when Lidl had their beer festival on a few months back. Well this is exactly where this beer is from. I’ve had it kicking about for a little bit now but I thought it would go perfectly in my new glass. Named after the movie (I imagine), ‘March of the Penguins’ is a 4.9% ABV stout. It was also brewed with the addition of orange peel.

Visually the brew is almost jet black with a tinge of ruby red and a light tan head on top. In all honesty the aroma is very light with perhaps just the faintest coffee smell. On the body, those chocolate malts certainly pop through. A little coffee bitterness on the finish compliments the chocolate well to create a light mocha vibe to the flavour. Lacking a bit of complexity in the body but very drinkable for a stout.

A quick note on the bottle art: Big bold writing so you don’t need your glasses. Nice and simple design, it’s a lineup of penguins in an almost cold war era style poster!

I was having a slightly tough time giving this beer a score when I was drinking it. On the one hand I think the flavour is lacking a bit for me personally. The orange peel doesn’t come through at all and the expected flavours of coffee and even dried fruit are rather subdued which is a shame. That said, it is insanely drinkable. It didn’t last long and almost slipped down without touching the sides. It also wasn’t too heavy so I could easily see myself having a few. While it’s not particularly complex the fact that it’s so quaffable gives it a little boost. It was also just £1.49 when I bought it which is very good value I think.

Score: 7/10

Thanks for reading! Cheers!

Additional Information:

• Hops: Cascade, Magnum
• Malts: Lager Malt, Oats, Roast Barley, Chocolate Malt, Dark Crystal, Malted Wheat
• IBU: 28
• ABV: 4.9%
• Gluten Free: No
• Vegan: Yes!
• Purchase Price: £1.49
• Purchase Location: Lidl