Big off-white head and has a reddish brown color. Very earthy malty aroma. There is a good amount of hops in this for an amber ale. Palate is pretty light and maybe has a little too much carbonation. Parts of the beer are kind of soapy. Plus I got this beer for 5 bucks a sixer. Maybe the bottle was quite old.

Pours deep amber into a shaker. Conglomerate head gradually recedes with slight lacing. Grapefruit and grass notes. Full mouthfeel, but slightly flat with upfront roasted caramel which turns to a lasting spruce finish which turns back to a (not unpleasant) frat floor malt.

2004 bottle contract brewed by Concord brewing. Well, not surprisingly, this one was just about as good as the IPA. Whatever they’re doing, they’re doin it right. Wonderful deep cherry red appearane, some light oranges and burgundies. Good light yellow head, mostly clear body. Aroma of ripe red fruits, this thing is exploding with fruity ale yeast. Light hops in the background a mild sweetness. Flavor is almost exactly like the aroma. Incredible fruit esters, creamy mouthfeel, hops not overdone but present. The toastiness is subtle and adds no astringency. This is a spectacular beer.
2005 bottle Initially large off-white head recedes to ring, with some light lacing. Still a brilliant, deep cherry red appearance to the body. Aroma is very hoppy, with a distinct earthy/leafy/nutty bitterness and drying effect. Clean and dry, it finishes without too much malt influence (not enough). Tastes like tea leaves, with lots of toasted malt, some light roast. Very hoppy, though it is a fresh, herbal/spice hoppiness. Ultimately the body proves too light for the amount of hops. Not enough sweet/substantial malt to balance. A bit of crystal malt up front is all that is keeping this from being an IPA. As I finish the glass, I keep thinking, "way too bitter!" Unsure why the great parity between the last batch and this.