7.9

Appearance - 8 | Aroma - 8 | Flavor - 8 | Texture - 8 | Overall - 7.5

7.8

Appearance - 8 | Aroma - 7.5 | Flavor - 7.5 | Texture - 8 | Overall - 8

Panda at home, thanks to Kenneth, 18/12/2025.
Black topped with a khaki cap that clears to the edge.
Nose is dark malts, spice, herb, barrel tones, molasses.
Taste comprises chocolate shavings, herb, mezcal barrel, vinous, earthy fruits.
Full bodied, fine carbonation, drying close with a balanced spike of alcohol.
Solid.

8.1

Appearance - 8 | Aroma - 8 | Flavor - 8.5 | Texture - 8 | Overall - 8

6th December 2025
Near clear very dark brown beer, small bubbly tan head. A pretty light palate for a beer of this hefty, and likewise this rather spiffin series from Thornbridge. Light bodied dark malts, a little coffee and dark chocolate, touch of dark malt cream. Mezcal spice, something vaguely licorice and something vaguely fruity. Light spicy finish. Nice. Lacks the sumptuous richness of its previous siblings in this series but, I loved the dark malt mezcal coupling here.

8

Appearance - 8 | Aroma - 8 | Flavor - 8 | Texture - 8 | Overall - 8

Tap. The Fargate, Sheffield. Last of the keg. Silky black. Slim tan foam. Solid chocolate and coffee malty base with, thankfully, no savoury notes. Fruity barrel. Slick and easy drinking. Nice variant. Didn’t get loads because everyone else wanted a bit. Good gear.