Draught pint at Redbones on 10/24/07
A very deeply burnished copper-red body is lightly hazy, with a fairly dense, beige head atop. Moderate retention, light lacing.
Toasted malt and hops! Breadiness rolls through the nose, as straightforward C-hoppiness takes over and piles on lots of stiff citrus. Not particularly varied or interesting, it just seems rather uninspired. Malt apparency is low, other than contributing more dryness to the already dry, acidic nose. Some light caramel and dough notes, but nothing to distract from the heavy citrus dominance. Clean, though, otherwise and no alcohol is noted. Medium strength of aroma.
Fruitiness starts up initially; some cherries, red apples, strawberries but is quickly curtailed by the stronger white grapefruit and orange bitterness. Soft, yeasty texture but with minimal comfort from any real malt suppleness. Grainy and bready on the finish, with hop acids steadily fatiguing the palate. Tastes like dry graham crackers and marmalade by the end. No alcohol or flaws. Too bitter, needs more malt balance/complexity.

(cask) Very dark brown, reddish shine; dense yellowish head, stable. Woody & caramel notes in the nose, dark malts in evidence. Rich chocolate and winey flavours, bitter malts finish. Rich, full bodied, at the same time as light impression without watery texture. If it were just a little less harsh on the burnt malts palate, I'd rate it quite high.

01 Version :Deep amber with thin head. Malty nose and taste with a few light finishing hops. Obviously it is much different this year