North East Beer Review

I was first introduced to Blackjack Brew Co during their inclusion in the Farmyard Many Hands Make Light Work 4. This one is a New England IPA which I purchased whilst on my travels down to Manchester. I love a NEIPA so of course the best way to sample a brewery fully is by trying your favourite style. So during the course of this review I will cover the history of this beer and brewery, the pour, the taste and aroma and finally my verdict.

One of the most reputable breweries in MCR

Blackjack Brewery is an independent brewery based in Manchester, England. Founded in 2012, they started from humble beginnings under a railway arch in Manchester’s Green Quarter. From then on, they have quickly gained a reputation for being one of the most respected breweries in Manchester.

From its early days Blackjack brewed a core range of ales and grew steadily through tap events and community involvement. They are committed to brewing drinkable beers which utilises traditional brewing styles and modern craft techniques.

Blackjack Brew Co produces unique beers year round and distributes them across the North of England. They also operate a taproom in the Smithfield Market and Station Hop as well as festival stands and food festival stands.

Blackjack Brew Co is one of their standout beers and it’s a New England IPA. This carries an ABV of 6.5% which is hopped with Dolcita, Nectaron and Bru-1 hops. This really personifies Blackjacks ability to blend craft innovations with traditional sensibilities.

A light hazy pour

When poured, Flint Glass presents a yellow to light golden colour. This has a slight glow and distinct haze. Not as opaque as other NEIPA’s I have tried however this has a soft look to it. A foamy white head forms which is soft and pillowy, which left a good amount of lacing in the head retention. The carbonation is gentle and the bubbles slowly rise throughout the drinking experience. Overall, a pretty inviting and juicy pour.

A fruit forward taste and aroma

Aroma

On the nose, Flint Glass is fruit forward aromatic beer which has an immediate burst of tropical fruits such as mango and passionfruit. There is a citrus zest edge which gives off flavours of orange and lemon. The undertone of this beer is that of stonefruit and an oaty creaminess. The aroma is strong but also smooth. Overall, a juicy and expressive aromatic pour.

Taste

When it comes to the first sip, Blackjack Brew Co delivers a juicy hop forward explosion of tropical fruits such as mango and pineapple. Mid-palate this beer moves on to a gentle orange bitterness from the citrus tones which are soft. A smooth and creamy sweet malt backbone is present which is oaty. When it comes the finish, it is soft and bitter but not overpowering with a lingering resinous flavour. Overall, a juicy and smooth drinker this one which has no excessive alcohol warmth.

Time for my verdict

Blackjack Brew Co Flint Glass lives up to the reputation of brewing drinkable beer. This beer was quite sessionable in all honesty, extremely drinkable but I would advise against it with the ABV of 6.5% which could mess you up. Anyways, the flavour of this beer is extremely tropical fruit forward which is balanced by the citrus and malt undertones. A pleasant refreshing tasting NEIPA which seems a bit lighter than other similar ales I have had. Overall, I rate this a solid 4 out of 5. Cheers

Where did I purchase this beer?

Blackjack Brew Co Flint Glass was purchased from a beer shop in Manchester called Beermoth. My girlfriend bought this as a gift.

Thanks for reading my review. If you enjoyed this beer review please check out my review on my other Beermoth purchase called Sureshot TV highlight of the week.