Appearance - 8 | Aroma - 6.5 | Flavor - 7 | Texture - 7 | Overall - 7

Deep ruby colour with a slight tendency towards brown. Gets quite some head, the slightest off-white: good persistence, excellent lacing. Not much intensity in the aroma: a subdued (per style) malty presence, with nuttiness and perhaps a hint of toffee and roastiness, a bit of underlying winey, slightly leathery presence, some not very distinct fruity notes (but i'd say mainly in the likes of cherries under spirit). Taste still shows moderate intensity, but in a quite delicate, pleasant way, and feels more defined. Notes as per aroma, plus a quite unexpected dry and moderately astringent, slightly bitter edging finish, with a bit of leafy/tea-like note to it. Light to medium bodied, low to medium carbonation, fine-bubbled carbonation; feels pretty smooth but also shows a hint of creaminess. Could have used a bit more intensity, feels like it doesn't have much even for the style; on the whole, though, it is well made, fine beer.

Bottle from dbw. Dark brownish amber pour. Loads of toffee caramel, roasted malts, light bitterness.

Appearance - 7 | Aroma - 6.5 | Flavor - 7 | Texture - 8 | Overall - 7

Clear chestnur pour with a somewhat stable white head. Aromas of malt, grain, some citrus. Taste is cocoa, chestnut, malt/grain, some herbs for a nice, slightly bitter finish. Brings back memories of the hike up the Old Man.

Appearance - 6 | Aroma - 6 | Flavor - 7 | Texture - 7 | Overall - 7

500ml bottle from Corkscrew in Jersey Market. Pours brown with a white head. Aromas & tastes of musty cherry, caramel, herbs, roasted barley, hints of pepper & tobacco. Medium bottle. Dry finish. Enjoyable

Appearance - 8 | Aroma - 6 | Flavor - 7 | Texture - 6 | Overall - 6.5

Bottle from Beers of Europe. Pours a clear amber-brown, small off-white head, nice retention and lacing. Aroma is malty, caramel, nuts, some chocolate, metallic. Taste was quite metallic at first before a decent malt character takes over being light roast, caramel, light chocolate, floral and grassy hops. Light to medium bodied, quite refreshing for a malty beer. Quite good.

Appearance - 8 | Aroma - 6 | Flavor - 6 | Texture - 10 | Overall - 6.5

500ml bottle. Clear, dark ruby colour with average to huge, thick, dense, creamy, moderately lasting and lacing, off-white to beige head. Slightly toasty, minimally nutty, malty and minimally earthy, leafy, fruity hoppy aroma, hints of hazelnut, Brazil nut, a touch of red berries. Taste is slightly earthy, nutty and toasty malty, hints of old nuts, hazelnut, Brazil nut, a touch of pecan, very mild hop bitterness. Creamy-watery texture, smooth and super-soft, velvety palate, very fine, dense, soft, creamy carbonation. Well crafted, wonderful colour, excellent mouthfeel, less impressive concerning aroma and taste - not an outstanding beer, but somehow an educational duty.

Appearance - 6 | Aroma - 7 | Flavor - 7 | Texture - 6 | Overall - 7.5

Finishes with light sweetness, like caramel. Not super interesting but decent enough for the style. Maroon pour with decent head and lacing. Tap at Snally.

Appearance - 8 | Aroma - 7 | Flavor - 7 | Texture - 8 | Overall - 6.5

Draft at Snallygaster 2024. Poured a kind of light cola color with a small, creamy head. Aroma was big sweet malts, some chocolate, light barley grain. Tasty stuff.

9-20-24, Shelter, on tap