Tap Handle #405: Caledonian (Heineken UK) - Newcastle Cabbie Black Ale

Tap size:  11.75"
Rarity:  Common
Mounting:  internal 3/8" nut

On Christmas day last December, my dad handed me an envelope. Inside was a color photo of the Newcastle Cabbie tap, some cash, and a note. The note said: "I want you to get this tap. It will be my Christmas present to you." Fortunately my friend Randy had acquired an extra one, and after we struck a deal, I was able to add the Cabbie to the collection. Newcastle continues to release fantastic taps (following the Werewolf and the Bombshell), and this tap continues the tradition with great details like the roadmap backdrop on the label, the small and intricate sculpting of the driver's face, and the stacked tires which are real rubber! Also note the license plate - NBA 1927 - which stands for Newcastle Brown Ale and the year it was created. Due to the fact that many of these taps were produced, they are easy to find and the price is very affordable considering the amount of detail.

Click through to read more about Newcastle's Cabbie Black Ale and to see more photos of this imaginative tap...

Newcastle Cabbie is mild black ale brewed with dark malts and noble aroma hops to create a flavor with hints of chocolate, coffee and light fruit.

Ratebeer weighted average:  2.92 out of 5

Beer Advocate:  73 out of 100 (okay)

For more about Newcastle, see this post. (Note: Newcastle's website is gone and now redirects to a Facebook page).