United Nations of Beer

D'Ham Brune beer

by Ashley Cotter-Cairns
(UNOB HQ)

D'Ham Brune beer: a mystery brew that the company didn't even claim on its own website!

D'Ham Brune beer

Another of the beers tested during our UNOB Beer Tasting Night; this one attracted various comments, many of them making reference to its likeness to Coke. At least, in smell and appearance. Once you sip it, you realise that it's no softie. There's bite here.

Not a lot of help is forthcoming from the company's temporary website.

If my limited French can be trusted, the brewing company, Les Brasseurs du Hameau, has been in business since 2006, providing what it calls 'artisan beer' to discerning clientele throughout the province.

Oddly, the brewer doesn't even claim credit for D'Ham Brune beer. When they called it a temporary website, they weren't kidding! I know of at least four beers of theirs, but there's only two listed on the website.

Pour this one carefully. It will foam up into a soft drink style head head in a heartbeat, leaving you frustratedly waiting for the tide to go out so you can take a sip.

D'Ham Brune beer definitely has a Cokeish smell to it, but the first sip will really open your eyes. It's both flat and fizzy at the same time; there's a hint of the Guinness magic without the creaminess; the aftertaste is bitter, but not as eye-wateringly bitter as your typical IPA.

I'm getting licorice, but the real kind, sometimes called salt licorice, rather than the sweet version. I can't put my finger on what's missing here. It's no knockout, but D'ham Brune beer is solid, tasty, well worth checking out.

At 5.5% ABV, it's reasonably strong, but deceptive. You could be forgiven for thinking this had less alcohol content. It slides down very easily and you won't put up a fight if you're offered seconds.

I don't think it's destined to be a classic, but considering they've only been around for a year or less, this is a brewer to keep a close eye on. D'Ham Brune beer is well worth a try.