Appearance - 8 | Aroma - 7 | Flavor - 7 | Texture - 8 | Overall - 7.5

Bright copper colour. Faintly dirty head. Aroma shows salmonberries, amber malts, slight toast...fresh & fruity...very English in its subtleties. Has, as billed by the brewery, traces of Irish in its blood, with caramel sweetness and earthy overtones. These are augmented by a resiny bitterness and woody notes. Bitterness lingers through the finish. A little strong for a session ale, a little light to be a "strong". Whether this is a problem or a good thing depends on your mood. At any rate, it is well-crafted and has good balance.