Engels & Drop

Liquorice is definitely a hit or miss among many people, but it’s one of those snacks that you love it or hate it. After moving to the Netherlands, I was encouraged to try any drop (Dutch Liquorice) I could, from candies, to Salmari shots and Drop Shots (definitely an interesting first experience)! I personally won’t go out of my way to buy it, but if offered I will take one.  Having never actually tried English liquorice (liquorice allsorts) I went and bought a small bag to compare. When you drink this beer in one fell swoop, without trying to parse out the front, mid, and aftertaste, it tastes just like liquorice allsorts. Sweet, coconutty, quite nice.

I’m not usually a fan of porters - too watery, but this has a rich smell, I assume from the coconut.   Initially you can smell the sweetness and richness from the coconut, and then the coffee hits creating an earthy undertone. Midtaste is balanced chocolate but mostly coffee.  The porter style also is obvious here, it’s dark but not super rich, actually quite watery, and the licorice sneaks up between the two tastes. Very balanced with all the flavors. The coffee and chocolate make it feel richer than it is and after that wears off you’re left with sweet liquorice and a lovely dried coconut taste. The aftertaste of liquorice remains for quite sometime! Blending it all together, it really does taste like liquorice allsorts!
Even if you’re not a huge liquorice fan, this beer is very drinkable and enjoyable. Definitely something to enjoy, or to buy for your adventurous friends to try.