Black & Tan
A classic layered beer cocktail that combines the crisp bitterness of a pale ale with the creamy, roasted notes of a stout. When poured correctly over a spoon, the lighter pale ale remains at the bottom while the dark stout floats on top, creating a striking visual contrast and a complex drinking experience.
What it tastes like
The aroma combines roasted coffee and chocolate from the stout with a light, malty grain profile from the pale ale. On the palate, the creamy, nitrogen-driven mouthfeel of the top layer transitions into the crisp, carbonated texture of the ale beneath. The finish is dry with a lingering note of toasted malt and earthy hops.
Flavour profile
Ingredients
- Bass Pale Ale8 oz
- Guinness Stout8 oz
Preparation
- 1
Tilt the pint glass and pour the Bass Pale Ale inside until the glass is approximately half full.
- 2
Allow the head of the pale ale to settle slightly.
- 3
Hold a spoon upside down, placing the tip against the inside of the glass, just above the layer of the pale ale.
- 4
Slowly pour the Guinness Stout over the back of the spoon to gently disperse the liquid and prevent the beers from mixing.
- 5
Continue pouring until the glass is full, ensuring the black stout floats on top of the tan ale.
Substitutions
- Bass Pale AleAmber Ale — An amber ale adds more caramel sweetness and a richer malt body to the base layer.
- Guinness StoutOatmeal Stout — Using an oatmeal stout provides a thicker, silkier texture to the top layer.
- Bass Pale AleLager — Replacing the ale with a crisp lager results in a lighter body and a sharper, cleaner finish.
Variations
Black & Blue
This version replaces the pale ale with a blueberry ale or a fruit-forward wheat beer for a subtle berry tartness.
Irish Velvet
Substituting the pale ale with hard cider creates a sweeter, crisper base that contrasts sharply with the creamy stout.