On draught at Barleys Smokehouse, served in a snifter. The beer pours a hazy orange color with a thin off-white head that burns away relatively fast. Spotty lacing on the glass. Malty and fruity aroma with a bit of brown sugar. Full bodied with flavors of sweet caramel malt, floral hops and notes of dark fruit. The finish is sweet and malty with a lingering soft fruity and hoppy aftertaste. The aging did not seem to have a big impact on this one, solid all around.
Earlier Rating: 5/2/2008 Total Score: 3.8
Firkin version at Barley’s 6th Annual Mini RAF (04/26/08): This brew pours a mostly clear dark amber color with a minimal off-white head that dissipates quickly. Spotty lacing. Rich malt aroma with piney hops underneath. Full body with a strong earthy malt character, along with flavors of hops, citrus and pine. The finish is hoppy with a tart fruit aftertaste. Pretty good all around.