335ml bottle - another of those who saw the bottles and thought "I’ll give that a go..." Pours a ruby red brown, about half a finger of white head, plenty of malt in the nose. Not a bad start. Felt like an ESB at first rather than an IPA. A tiiny first taste lets it down big style, with a funky after taste. Very average.

I was sent some of this by Newcastle’s USA PR firm, along with some schwag to give away in my blogs. So yes, my partiality may be somewhat compromised. First, i see that despite the Newcastle name, it’s not brewed at the same place as Newcastle currently is done, but in Scotland. That might account for the more Scots style, almost peaty malt taste. So. From a bottle, it kicks up a nice big brownish head over an amber to brown body. Smell is just a little amped in spicy English hops, but again, a slight peaty note of northern brown malt. Taste is interesting and somewhat complex. Light carbonation mouthfeel, still has brown malt as it major taste component. A bit of smokiness. Hops are a bit earthy, a flash or two of mint, and some sweet orange. A slight edge of sourness, like some staled beer was blended in, Guinness style. So, despite the naming, it’s more malty than we expect from IPAs, especially we who are used to American hop bombs. But a distinctive, slightly different statement of UK beers.

Draft: woody, smoky, almost like barbecue aroma, but it’s hard to tell in this restaurant setting. Clear copper thin head, not all that "pale". Distinct cherry and vanilla flavor. Toffee appears when warm. No transitions at all. As David Byrne might say, "Same as it ever was". The Summer from Newcastle was nice. this was underwhelming, especially for a style replete with stellar examples.

Sample at the 2011 Fall NOVA Beerfest, 10/22/11. Pours a clear amber color with a medium sized frothy tan head. Good head retention. Aroma of floral and minty hops with a fruity finish. The taste is earthy, floral and fruity notes with a caramel malt finish. Medium bodied.