Funny Newcastle comes up now. I just did a mini "taste test". My first brew ever was a Brewer's Best English Brown Ale kit. It's great and almost gone. I just 5 minutes ago took two glasses to my husband and asked him to pick the best tasting. (one of mine, one of Newk) He tasted the Newcastle and recognized it immediately. He tasted mine and said, "But this one is more complex flavored, better head, better smell and it tastes better." My "homemade" brown ale is now in his "Lifetime Favorite Top 4. " He ranked Capital Brewery's Maibock #1, New Glarus Fat Squirrel #2, Left Hand Brewery's Sawtooth Ale #3, and my own #4.
Maybe he's just trying to make me feel good- but it works!!!! Good luck on your first brew. And welcome to the most addicting hobby in the world.
Lorena