PubsandBeer

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Goacher's Best Dark Ale (aka Original)

PubAddressLast Visit Seen
The Black LionLynsted, Kent13 Mar 2024
The Rose & CrownStelling Minnis, Kent08 Mar 2024
The River Ale HouseEast Greenwich, Greater London22 Feb 2024
The Pub Herne BayHerne Bay, Kent16 Feb 2024
Tonbridge Juddians Rugby ClubTonbridge, Kent03 Feb 2024
The Broken DrumBlackfen, Greater London27 Dec 2023
Furlongs Ale HouseFaversham, Kent01 Nov 2023
The PloughStalisfield Green, Kent01 Oct 2023
ParkervilleHerne Bay, Kent18 Nov 2022
Rifle VolunteersMaidstone, Kent02 Sep 2022
Red LionMilstead, Kent25 Aug 2022
The Long PondEltham, Greater London26 Jul 2022
Larkins' AlehouseCranbrook, Kent02 Apr 2022
The Little GemAylesford, Kent17 Mar 2022
Carpenters ArmsColdred, Kent11 Dec 2019
The Black DogWhitstable, Kent24 Aug 2019
The Two HalvesMargate, Kent13 Jun 2019
The WaterworksRye, East Sussex17 May 2019
The Paper MillSittingbourne, Kent14 Sep 2018
The ChambersFolkestone, Kent10 Aug 2018
Ye Olde Thirsty PigMaidstone, Kent22 Mar 2018
The Man of Kent Ale HouseRochester, Kent01 Nov 2017
Rack of AleDover, Kent03 Sep 2017
Louis ArmstrongDover, Kent09 Jun 2017
Ship CenturionWhitstable, Kent21 May 2017
The Flower PotMaidstone, Kent07 Feb 2017
Royal Cinque Ports Yacht ClubDover, Kent28 Oct 2016
The Thomas Tallis AlehouseCanterbury, Kent22 Apr 2016
The Tankerton ArmsTankerton, Kent04 Dec 2015
The Phoenix TavernFaversham, Kent15 Aug 2015
The LanesDover, Kent08 Aug 2015
Yard of AleSt Peter's, Kent12 Jul 2014
The WindmillSevenoaks Weald, Kent11 Apr 2014
The Yew TreeSandling, Kent09 Mar 2014
The Hovelling Boat InnRamsgate, Kent17 Dec 2013
Old PlantationBearsted, Kent13 Dec 2013
Five Bells InnBrabourne, Kent12 Oct 2013
Bull InnWest Malling, Kent02 Oct 2013
FriarsAylesford, Kent04 Aug 2013
Halfway HouseBrenchley, Kent25 May 2013
The Bouncing BarrelHerne Bay, Kent07 May 2013
The Royal Paper MillMaidstone, Kent02 Feb 2013
The Firkin AlehouseFolkestone, Kent21 Dec 2012
The White HouseHunton, Kent04 Dec 2012
The Just ReproachDeal, Kent11 Aug 2012
Leas Lift Beer FestivalFolkestone, Kent28 Jul 2012
The HaywainBramling, Kent02 Jun 2012
The FoxMaidstone, Kent16 Oct 2011
The Rising SunTwitton, Kent29 Apr 2011
The Lifeboat Ale & Cider HouseMargate, Kent22 Apr 2011
East Malling Beer & Cider Festival 2010East Malling, Kent04 Sep 2010
The Lobster PotWest Malling, Kent28 Aug 2010
Kent Beer Festival 2010Canterbury, Kent24 Jul 2010
King's HeadCanterbury, Kent23 Jul 2010
2nd K&ES Railway Beer Festival 2010Tenterden, Kent12 Jun 2010
Red LionSnargate, Kent01 Aug 2009
Crabble Corn Mill Beer Festival 2009Dover, Kent22 May 2009
Shipwrights ArmsFaversham, Kent15 Feb 2009
Blakes of DoverDover, Kent06 Feb 2009
The Woolpack InnWarehorne, Kent09 Sep 2008
Crabble Corn Mill Beer Festival 2007Dover, Kent25 May 2007
The Rose & CrownPerry Wood, Kent09 Apr 2007
The ElephantFaversham, Kent26 Aug 2006
Kent Beer Festival 2006Canterbury, Kent20 Jul 2006
Rare Breeds Beer Festival 2006Woodchurch, Kent02 Jun 2006
Crabble Corn Mill Beer Festival 2006Dover, Kent27 May 2006
Sugar LoavesHollingbourne, Kent16 Sep 2005
Kent Beer Festival 2005Canterbury, Kent21 Jul 2005
Crabble Corn Mill Beer Festival 2005Dover, Kent27 May 2005

Tasting Summary

These comments are the opinion of the individual reviewer and represent what they thought of the beer on a particular day in a particular pub. If a review is less favourable, it may be because the beer suffered somewhere in the supply chain between them and the brewery.

The Black Lion, Lynsted, Kent

WhoScoreWhenNotes
Jack WilliamNot Tried13 Mar 2024
AndrewExcellent20 Jan 2024 Dark earthy roasted goodness. Goachers for the Goachers drinker.
AndrewExceptional29 Feb 2020 Rough earthy malt. Goachers for the Goachers drinker.
AndrewAcceptable13 May 2017 It was okay but the flavours hadn't come out to play yet.
AndrewExcellent07 May 2017 Very good Dark. Roasted malt and deep Goachers excellence.
AndrewGood12 Sep 2015 Less caramel and more toasted sugar than I recall but good enough to have 2 pints.
thebrewingmanExcellent11 Nov 2014 Lighter than the title would suggest.
WittendenExcellent18 May 2013 Wonderful beer! Dark 'n ' earthy, with an underlying wealth of hops. I hadn't drunk this in years, but it is even better than it was in the Smarden Bell in the '80s.
WittendenNot Tried20 Oct 2012
PedroNot Tried29 Sep 2012
AndrewNot Tried03 Mar 2012
AndrewGood17 Aug 2010 Nice toasted malts. Good Goacher's bitterness. Nice.
AndrewExcellent08 Jun 2009 Roasted malt and syrupy bite. Excellent condition. Good quality Goacher's but then it's Goacher's so I'd expect nothing less.
IanExceptional12 Jan 2008 First pint was drinkable, but lacked that malty intensity. After that it was plain sailing all the way and Andrew and myself ended the session with 2 pints of it each as it was perfect.
AndrewExceptional12 Jan 2008 Ian's first pint of this was a bit watery but I though I better have it anyway so I ordered it in the next round. My pint was nothing like Ian's previous one. This was the best Goacher's Dark I've had for probably 6 or 7 years. It truely was, "Goacher's for the Goacher's Drinker". Looking at my notes sober I see I wrote, "If I wasn't marrying Jane I'd marry this", a comment that didn't go down too well with Jane at the time I recall.
AndrewNot Tried29 Dec 2007 Badged as Goacher's Dark
AndrewNot Tried31 Dec 2006 Badged as 'Dark'
AndrewExceptional01 Aug 2006 Badged as 'Dark'. I'm beginning to wonder if Dark and Original are actually different. Anyway this was wonderfully smooth with a dark burnt sugar bite on the end coupled with that tell-tale Goacher's hop finish

The Rose & Crown, Stelling Minnis, Kent

WhoScoreWhenNotes
AndrewGood08 Mar 2024 Good condition
MickAcceptable29 Mar 2013 A bit tired, lacking any real condition.
MickExcellent12 Jan 2013 Very nice, rich and dark with a balanced bitterness, not at all heavy.

The River Ale House, East Greenwich, Greater London

WhoScoreWhenNotes
Philip PirripGood22 Feb 2024 A Best Dark in fine form, enough to have 2
Philip PirripGood20 Jul 2023 Zingy, lots of mouthfeel, good enough to have a second one
Philip PirripGood02 Jul 2023 A reliable Goacher's ale
Philip PirripGood23 Apr 2023 Seemed maltier than usual
Philip PirripGood14 Feb 2023 A workhorse ale
Philip PirripGood12 Feb 2023 Came on at very last knockings
Philip PirripNot Tried21 Nov 2022
Philip PirripGood20 Nov 2022 OK could have held a better head and lacing
Philip PirripNot Tried14 Aug 2022
Philip PirripAcceptable11 Aug 2022 I aver something has changed in the recipe, seems maltier and sweeter than is usual (or used to be)
Philip PirripExcellent30 Jun 2022 My favourite all year round Goacher's ale
Philip PirripNot Tried18 Apr 2022
Philip PirripGood17 Apr 2022
Philip PirripNot Tried23 Feb 2022 Ugh - ran out as I ordered
Philip PirripAcceptable07 Dec 2021 Sold out same day was put on - mine suffered from being one of last out alas
Philip PirripGood04 Oct 2021
Philip PirripExcellent03 Oct 2021 Beer as it should always be
Philip PirripExcellent12 Jul 2021 New cask today - great condition. My favourite Goacher's ale when 1066 is not available
Philip PirripNot Tried11 Jul 2021 Came on at closing time, primarily for tomorrow
Philip PirripExcellent19 May 2021 As top 'ole as on Monday
Philip PirripGood17 May 2021 Really lovely nick
Philip PirripExcellent21 Nov 2019 Excellent basic bitter, Goacher's at its best (unless it is 1066!!)
Philip PirripGood16 Oct 2019
Philip PirripPoor09 Jun 2019 Ugh. Totally flat and overly bitter sharp, not the Goacher's Best Dark I know and love. Very nearly did not finish it
Philip PirripNot Tried07 Mar 2019
Philip PirripExcellent03 Mar 2019
Philip PirripExcellent05 Dec 2018 Professional brew

The Pub Herne Bay, Herne Bay, Kent

WhoScoreWhenNotes
AndrewExcellent16 Feb 2024 Came here specifically because we knew this was on. Lovely stuff!
Magnus GreelNot Tried23 Jan 2024

Tonbridge Juddians Rugby Club, Tonbridge, Kent

WhoScoreWhenNotes
IanAcceptable03 Feb 2024 Thin body not good condition

The Broken Drum, Blackfen, Greater London

WhoScoreWhenNotes
Philip PirripGood27 Dec 2023 Very last pint out of the cask. Still very passable
Philip PirripNot Tried09 Sep 2019
Philip PirripExcellent12 Nov 2018 A foaming head
Philip PirripExcellent01 Nov 2017 In lovely nick
Philip PirripExcellent18 Feb 2016 Beautifully balanced

Furlongs Ale House, Faversham, Kent

WhoScoreWhenNotes
Jack WilliamNot Tried01 Nov 2023
Archie14Excellent08 Aug 2021 The original! Great stuff

The Plough, Stalisfield Green, Kent

WhoScoreWhenNotes
WittendenExcellent01 Oct 2023 Forty years of earthy goodness.Nostalgia in a glass.

Parkerville, Herne Bay, Kent

WhoScoreWhenNotes
AndrewExcellent18 Nov 2022 Really good stuff
AndrewExcellent15 Jun 2019

Rifle Volunteers, Maidstone, Kent

WhoScoreWhenNotes
AndrewExceptional02 Sep 2022 Wonderful
ChrisEExcellent09 Sep 2021 In top notch condition.
ChrisEExcellent26 May 2021
ChrisEExcellent20 May 2021 A new cask on, superb.
ChrisEExcellent31 Oct 2020
Magnus GreelExcellent31 Oct 2020
ChrisEExcellent22 Sep 2020
ChrisENot Tried27 Aug 2020
ChrisENot Tried28 Jul 2020 This was selling well but ran out as I was about to order one.
ChrisEExcellent14 Jul 2020
ChrisEExcellent18 Jun 2019 Polly informed me that this beer may soon be officially renamed Original.
ChrisEExcellent11 Oct 2018
ChrisEExcellent01 Nov 2017
ChrisENot Tried31 Oct 2017 Not quite ready, but should be on tomorrow. The Dark should be available until the Gold Star returns.
ChrisEExcellent16 Sep 2016
ChrisENot Tried24 Aug 2016
Magnus GreelNot Tried26 Jul 2016
ChrisEExceptional25 Jun 2016 Last one from the cask and really excellent.
ChrisEExceptional25 Jun 2016 One of the first from a new cask and just as good as the previous one.
ChrisEExcellent17 Jun 2016
HSBNot Tried05 Nov 2015
Philip PirripExcellent02 Nov 2015
TobesNot Tried29 Aug 2015
ChrisEExcellent02 Jun 2015
ChrisEExcellent26 May 2015

Red Lion, Milstead, Kent

WhoScoreWhenNotes
AndrewExcellent25 Aug 2022 Served in a Goachers glass too!

The Long Pond, Eltham, Greater London

WhoScoreWhenNotes
Philip PirripExcellent26 Jul 2022 Recently striking me that a woodier taste is coming out in this ale
Philip PirripExcellent04 Jul 2022 Lovely nick, oddly more malty than I expected
Philip PirripExcellent19 Jun 2021 My favourite Goacher's ale
Philip PirripNot Tried20 Dec 2019
Philip PirripNot Tried05 Jul 2019

Larkins' Alehouse, Cranbrook, Kent

WhoScoreWhenNotes
WittendenExcellent02 Apr 2022 Lovely peppery farmyard ethos.
WittendenExcellent03 Jul 2021 A dark bitter? We thought it wonderful when it came out in the 80s.Still pretty damn good.
WittendenNot Tried01 Aug 2020

The Little Gem, Aylesford, Kent

WhoScoreWhenNotes
ChrisEExcellent17 Mar 2022
Magnus GreelNot Tried03 Jan 2022
ChrisEExcellent04 Nov 2021
ChrisEExcellent11 Sep 2021
Philip PirripExcellent31 Jul 2021 From gravity cask on bar back shelf. The grail, the mid brown English bitter I had sought all week

Carpenters Arms, Coldred, Kent

WhoScoreWhenNotes
Jack WilliamGood11 Dec 2019

The Black Dog, Whitstable, Kent

WhoScoreWhenNotes
WittendenNot Tried24 Aug 2019
Philip PirripExcellent22 Aug 2019 Excellent
WittendenNot Tried08 Apr 2017
Philip PirripGood22 Oct 2015

The Two Halves, Margate, Kent

WhoScoreWhenNotes
DosserGood13 Jun 2019

The Waterworks, Rye, East Sussex

WhoScoreWhenNotes
Jack WilliamNot Tried17 May 2019 On the board as Goachers Dark Bitter 4.1 - I assume it was this one.

The Paper Mill, Sittingbourne, Kent

WhoScoreWhenNotes
Archie14Not Tried14 Sep 2018
DosserGood15 Feb 2015
Judy G GarlandNot Tried09 Nov 2013
Archie14Not Tried09 Nov 2013

The Chambers, Folkestone, Kent

WhoScoreWhenNotes
Philip PirripUndrinkable10 Aug 2018 Sharp taste and whiff of acetics. Swapped with good grace but was disappointed to see it still sold to others

Ye Olde Thirsty Pig, Maidstone, Kent

WhoScoreWhenNotes
ChrisEExcellent22 Mar 2018
HSBNot Tried05 Nov 2015

The Man of Kent Ale House, Rochester, Kent

WhoScoreWhenNotes
ChrisEExcellent01 Nov 2017
Philip PirripNot Tried29 Apr 2014
ChrisENot Tried22 Mar 2012
ChrisENot Tried16 Jun 2011
IanAcceptable10 Mar 2007 Badged as Goachers Dark. Just not that wide mouth feel you associate with this beer. Not quite roasty/toasty enough for me. Nothing wrong with it, but I know it can taste better.
AndrewExcellent10 Mar 2007 Badged as Goacher's Dark. The first pint of this I had got a 5/5 score but the second only a 3.5/5. Anyway, the beer had good earthy hops with a toasted malt bite to the finish. I liked it a lot.

Rack of Ale, Dover, Kent

WhoScoreWhenNotes
Philip PirripAcceptable03 Sep 2017

Louis Armstrong, Dover, Kent

WhoScoreWhenNotes
ChrisENot Tried09 Jun 2017

Ship Centurion, Whitstable, Kent

WhoScoreWhenNotes
WittendenNot Tried21 May 2017

The Flower Pot, Maidstone, Kent

WhoScoreWhenNotes
Magnus GreelNot Tried07 Feb 2017
TobesNot Tried21 Aug 2015
TobesNot Tried20 Jun 2015
TobesNot Tried13 Jun 2015
TobesNot Tried06 Jun 2015
TobesNot Tried07 Feb 2015
TobesNot Tried15 Feb 2014
TobesNot Tried14 Feb 2014
TobesGood01 Feb 2014
BullsNot Tried07 Jun 2013
DosserNot Tried05 Jun 2013
Toby Not Tried01 Jun 2013
AngieNot Tried18 May 2013 Everyone loved this
PedroNot Tried20 Aug 2012
PedroNot Tried19 Aug 2012
AlenomoreExcellent19 Aug 2012 Very surprised to see this one here. Very nice too.
PedroNot Tried17 Aug 2012
PedroNot Tried23 Dec 2011
PedroNot Tried22 Dec 2011
AngieNot Tried31 Jan 2011
PedroNot Tried31 Jan 2011
PedroExceptional07 Jan 2011
DosserNot Tried06 Jan 2011
PedroNot Tried04 Jan 2011
PedroNot Tried18 Sep 2010
PedroExcellent29 May 2010
AngieNot Tried27 Mar 2010
AlenomoreExcellent26 Mar 2010 In tip top condition here.
PedroExcellent26 Mar 2010
PedroExcellent25 Mar 2010
PedroExceptional24 Mar 2010 super
PedroNot Tried31 Jan 2010
PedroExcellent30 Jan 2010

Royal Cinque Ports Yacht Club, Dover, Kent

WhoScoreWhenNotes
Jack WilliamNot Tried28 Oct 2016

The Thomas Tallis Alehouse, Canterbury, Kent

WhoScoreWhenNotes
AndrewExcellent22 Apr 2016 Umm Goachers for the Goachers drinker

The Tankerton Arms, Tankerton, Kent

WhoScoreWhenNotes
AndrewGood04 Dec 2015 Very nice. Bit fresh. Give it a day or 2 and it'd be top notch stuff
AndrewExceptional08 Jun 2013 Stunning condition and truely Goachers for the Goachers drinker

The Phoenix Tavern, Faversham, Kent

WhoScoreWhenNotes
Philip PirripNot Tried15 Aug 2015 On gravity on the counter top

The Lanes, Dover, Kent

WhoScoreWhenNotes
ChrisEExcellent08 Aug 2015 On top form.

Yard of Ale, St Peter's, Kent

WhoScoreWhenNotes
ChrisEGood12 Jul 2014 Plenty of condition, a very good pint of gravity dispensed ale.

The Windmill, Sevenoaks Weald, Kent

WhoScoreWhenNotes
thebrewingmanNot Tried11 Apr 2014

The Yew Tree, Sandling, Kent

WhoScoreWhenNotes
TobesNot Tried09 Mar 2014

The Hovelling Boat Inn, Ramsgate, Kent

WhoScoreWhenNotes
Philip PirripGood17 Dec 2013 Full bodied

Old Plantation, Bearsted, Kent

WhoScoreWhenNotes
ChrisEExcellent13 Dec 2013 In fine form
ChrisEExcellent28 Oct 2013 In top form.

Five Bells Inn, Brabourne, Kent

WhoScoreWhenNotes
ChrisEExcellent12 Oct 2013
WittendenExceptional10 Sep 2013 Luscious and chocolately:this beer hasn't altered since the 80s, when I enjoyed it at the Smarden Bell. Prime.

Bull Inn, West Malling, Kent

WhoScoreWhenNotes
Judy G GarlandNot Tried02 Oct 2013
PedroExcellent26 Jul 2013
PedroExcellent17 Nov 2012
AlenomoreNot Tried15 Nov 2012 Missed this ale, for one reason or another!
PedroExcellent15 Nov 2012
PedroExcellent23 Oct 2012
PedroNot Tried02 Feb 2012
PedroNot Tried17 Dec 2011
PedroNot Tried28 Oct 2011 in bar
PedroExcellent09 Jul 2011
PedroNot Tried30 Oct 2010
PedroExcellent29 Oct 2010
IanExcellent26 Jul 2008 Andrew and I always say that this beer is Goachers for the Goachers drinker. Look wonderful, clear deep amber with thick bubbly cream head. Tastes fresh. Lovely toasty roasty malt. Rich yet agile. Not quite as intense as the pint at Xmas at the Black Lion, Lynsted, but still very very good. Little bit of milky coffee.

Friars, Aylesford, Kent

WhoScoreWhenNotes
AlenomoreNot Tried04 Aug 2013

Halfway House, Brenchley, Kent

WhoScoreWhenNotes
oz11Not Tried25 May 2013
oz11Good27 Aug 2012
thebrewingmanExcellent16 Nov 2010

The Bouncing Barrel, Herne Bay, Kent

WhoScoreWhenNotes
Philip PirripExcellent07 May 2013 In fine condition and held its head so a repeat was called for

The Royal Paper Mill, Maidstone, Kent

WhoScoreWhenNotes
PedroExcellent02 Feb 2013
PedroAcceptable10 Jan 2013 Last one out and was offered to change it!
PedroGood21 Sep 2012
PedroExcellent03 Aug 2012
PedroGood01 Oct 2011
PedroGood14 Jul 2011
PedroExcellent05 Feb 2011
PedroAcceptable26 Aug 2010
AndrewAcceptable22 Aug 2008 Although there was a pump clip on a pump for this the landlady went out the back to pour the beer. It was a bit cloudy and tasted a little out of condition with none of the fresh rich Goachers flavours I associate with this beer. It was drinkable but nothing to write home about.

The Firkin Alehouse, Folkestone, Kent

WhoScoreWhenNotes
IanNot Tried21 Dec 2012
IanExcellent19 Dec 2012 I mean its lovely. Bit too cold maybe. Great condition. So drinkable

The White House, Hunton, Kent

WhoScoreWhenNotes
PedroExcellent04 Dec 2012
PedroGood15 Jul 2012
thebrewingmanExcellent01 Jul 2012
PedroGood24 Nov 2011

The Just Reproach, Deal, Kent

WhoScoreWhenNotes
Stephen HarrisAcceptable11 Aug 2012 Old-fashioned, traditional Kentish beer – all Crystal malt and Goldings hops.
ChrisENot Tried12 Jul 2012 Others in our group drank this and said that it was in superb condition.

Leas Lift Beer Festival, Folkestone, Kent

WhoScoreWhenNotes
ChrisENot Tried28 Jul 2012
IanExcellent27 Jul 2012 drinkable as hell

The Haywain, Bramling, Kent

WhoScoreWhenNotes
AndrewGood02 Jun 2012 A good half of the Dark
IanExceptional26 Sep 2009 Is it me or is this lighter in colour than normal? Whatever, it's superb. Great and interessting malts ranging in texture and flavour. Simply one of the best beers in Kent.

The Fox, Maidstone, Kent

WhoScoreWhenNotes
AlenomoreExcellent16 Oct 2011 A pleasant surprise and on good form here.
PedroExcellent16 Oct 2011
PedroExcellent24 Sep 2011
PedroNot Tried22 Apr 2011
PedroGood12 Feb 2011
PedroExcellent05 Feb 2011
PedroExcellent15 Jan 2011
PedroExcellent23 Dec 2010
PedroExcellent21 Nov 2010
PedroNot Tried20 Nov 2010

The Rising Sun, Twitton, Kent

WhoScoreWhenNotes
PedroExcellent29 Apr 2011

The Lifeboat Ale & Cider House, Margate, Kent

WhoScoreWhenNotes
AndrewAcceptable22 Apr 2011 An excellent beer in mediocre form

East Malling Beer & Cider Festival 2010, East Malling, Kent

WhoScoreWhenNotes
AlenomoreNot Tried04 Sep 2010

The Lobster Pot, West Malling, Kent

WhoScoreWhenNotes
PedroExcellent28 Aug 2010
PedroNot Tried27 Aug 2010
IanExcellent16 Sep 2005 Badged as Best Dark. Just misses being a 5/5. Reddy brown colour with lasting beige head. Dark malts and Goachers yeast aroma with chocolate and coffee. Grainy throughout with burnt malt flavours which are excellent

Kent Beer Festival 2010, Canterbury, Kent

WhoScoreWhenNotes
AndrewGood24 Jul 2010 The last half out of the barrel and it was still good. Roasted with a hint of red fruit.

King's Head, Canterbury, Kent

WhoScoreWhenNotes
AlenomoreExceptional23 Jul 2010 Surpised to see two Goachers ales on here, and very good too.

2nd K&ES Railway Beer Festival 2010, Tenterden, Kent

WhoScoreWhenNotes
AlenomoreNot Tried12 Jun 2010
PedroExceptional12 Jun 2010

Red Lion, Snargate, Kent

WhoScoreWhenNotes
AndrewGood01 Aug 2009 Good, malty, strong tasting Dark. Goachers for the Goachers drinker
AndrewGood23 Jun 2007 Badged as 'Goachers Dark'. Toasted roasted ruby brown beer. Slightly sweet with an earthy acrid malt bite

Crabble Corn Mill Beer Festival 2009, Dover, Kent

WhoScoreWhenNotes
MickExcellent22 May 2009 Superb, dark, rich with toffee/malt and a good hop balance. Could have drunk this all afternoon.

Shipwrights Arms, Faversham, Kent

WhoScoreWhenNotes
AndrewNot Tried15 Feb 2009
SteveNot Tried10 Aug 2007
AndrewExcellent03 Mar 2007 Toasted nutty malt with a good toasted malt bite on the finish.
AndrewGood21 Jan 2006 Same peaty over-flavour as the Special. Subtle toasted caramel on finish. Umm... no Goacher's signiture taste of malt and progress hops. My guess is this barrel had only just been tapped so hadn't mellowed yet.
IanNot Tried29 Aug 2005
AndrewAcceptable26 Aug 2005 Interesting. Tasted of acetate. Very burnt flavours to start with a slight sweetness and then burnt malt on the finish. Not the usual taste of Goacher's Dark
AndrewExcellent09 Apr 2005 That good old goachers taste but a bit more earthy than usual
AndrewExceptional28 Aug 2004
AndrewExceptional16 Apr 2004

Blakes of Dover, Dover, Kent

WhoScoreWhenNotes
DubbelGood06 Feb 2009 Gravity dispensed, malt-led with some chocolate coming through. Very drinkable but we'd finished on barley wine at the festival so apologies if I'm doing it a disservice.
BrianExceptional04 Feb 2006 Superb. Don't remember much else except the overall impression was lovely.
IanNot Tried01 Feb 2006 Badged as Dark and came on just as I was leaving.

The Woolpack Inn, Warehorne, Kent

WhoScoreWhenNotes
TrevorNot Tried09 Sep 2008

Crabble Corn Mill Beer Festival 2007, Dover, Kent

WhoScoreWhenNotes
IanAcceptable25 May 2007 Fine, if a little dull

The Rose & Crown, Perry Wood, Kent

WhoScoreWhenNotes
AndrewGood09 Apr 2007 Badged as "Best Dark". Fresh and clean with a toasted malt bite on the finish.

The Elephant, Faversham, Kent

WhoScoreWhenNotes
IanAcceptable26 Aug 2006 Badged as Goachers Dark. Deep chestnut colour with lasting beige head. Goachers distinctive aroma, good malty flavour. Choc/malt aroma. Bit acidic. Fine but needs a bit more depth

Kent Beer Festival 2006, Canterbury, Kent

WhoScoreWhenNotes
AndrewAcceptable20 Jul 2006 Badged as Goacher's Dark. Quite fizzy. Bit too much sherbert for a ber that's usually a cooked sugar & fuggles hop treat

Rare Breeds Beer Festival 2006, Woodchurch, Kent

WhoScoreWhenNotes
AndrewGood02 Jun 2006 Little bit of malt to start with followed by lots of burnt sugar

Crabble Corn Mill Beer Festival 2006, Dover, Kent

WhoScoreWhenNotes
AndrewAcceptable27 May 2006 Badged as Goacher's Dark. A dark brown beer. Balding head and a slight goacher's smell to it. Slight attrified burnt treacle taste but not much going on which is a shame as this can be a lovely beer

Sugar Loaves, Hollingbourne, Kent

WhoScoreWhenNotes
IanUndrinkable16 Sep 2005 Badged as Dark. This was off so I had to return it.
IanExceptional30 Jan 2005 Badged as Goachers Dark this has wonderful dark malty burnt flavours

Kent Beer Festival 2005, Canterbury, Kent

WhoScoreWhenNotes
AndrewAcceptable21 Jul 2005 Badged as Goachers Dark but I think there are the same thing. Anyway it was too lively which was a shame.

Crabble Corn Mill Beer Festival 2005, Dover, Kent

WhoScoreWhenNotes
IanExceptional27 May 2005 Badged as Best Dark Ale. Dark brown beer. Grainy roasted matl nose, full in mouth with chocolate and caramel malts leading to dry malty finish. Superb dark ale

Goacher's Best Dark Ale (aka Original)

4.10% ABV.

We have tried this beer 168 times.

We have given this beer an average score of Good to Excellent.

Other Goacher's beers.