Cask version at Barley’s 3rd Annual Mini RAF (04/16/05): Hazy orange color with a medium thin and bubbly beige head. Not a lot of lacing. The aroma...Do You Like Piña Colada? Whatever barrel this was aged in was not stingy on the coconut aspect of Jack Daniels. Medium-bodied with just as much piña colada/coconut flavor as in the aroma. It is really kind of off-putting to me. Some nut and spice flavors as well but this doesn’t hold a candle to St. Nick’s, or their normal Christmas beer for that matter. I understand where you would barrel age something to imbue some of the desirable elements into the beer, but this is just too much. The finish is similar to bourbon. I’ll pass on this next time.

On tap at the Smokehouse (as "Rye-PA"). Pours a bright and clear orange color with a medium thin off-white head. Thin and stringy lacing. The aroma is huge citrusy hops with really only a passing amount of rye. Medium-bodied with a nice hops punch. Citrus, rye and a mild sweetness are also present but play second fiddle to the hoppy character. It could stand a little more rye in the flavor but it is obviously an IPA first and I have no problem with that. The finish is bitter and lingered long after I left Barley’s. This is a good brew.

2004 homebottled bottle from Santa. Pours a healthy amber-yellow with some light orange and tinges of auburn. Small fizzy off-white head. Aroma of c-hops? Pretty bitter and citric ones, anyways. Light toffee notes in the background and some dry earthy notes. Flavor begins with an immediate dryness from the yeast. It seems to be English, with some brown bread, nuts and dusty earthy notes. Malt tastes like maris otter in a way. Quickly jumps in to some hops bitterness, must be some cascades (or something very similar) in here. Citric and bitter. Lots of dry english toffee-like flavors mixed with caramel and a hint of sugar. Very even, full body, with very low carbonation and a big finish of sweet candied oranges, butterscotch, and whipped cream. Some alcohol on the finish, but it is pleasant and gives a warming sensation. As hoppy as this is, it’s somehow quite tasty and balanced. English in nature, with the peculiar aspect of high alpha american hops in the mix. I think it works pretty well though. Or maybe I was just in the mood for some hops tonight! Thanks so much Secret Santa, this was a treat!

On draught at the Smokehouse. The beer is a dark brown color that lets a little ruby light through. Thin light brown head and quick lacing. The aroma is all coffee, but really not that strong. Rich body, but the carbonation level seems kind of high making it a little harder to drink. Roasted coffee and a hint of chocolate in the flavor. The finish is dry with notes of hops and dark chocolate. This isn’t Barley’s best Stout, being kind of 2-dimensional. However it is pretty tasty and enjoyable.

On tap at Barley’s #1. This was the weakest beer I tried at the brewpub. Poured translucent deep red/brown with a thin light tan head. Roasted malt aroma with tart hints. Flavor was rather boring and dry with roasted, toasty malt and a woody, bitterish finish. Light and creamy mouthfeel. This is more of a dry stout IMO. Nothing noteworthy.

On tap at Barley's #1. A very average APA that pours a bit darker than most (deep copper-red with a thin off-white head), yielding an aroma of pungent spicy, peppery, piney hops. English hops lend an earthy/buttery flavor that interplays with piney and spicy hops and toasty caramely malts. A typical example of the style, no more, no less.

On tap at Barley’s #1. Poured clear coppery orange/red with a thin-medium off-white head. Aroma was dominated by caramelized malt, very sweet and fruity. I’ve had Scotch Ales with greater complexity, but this does "more with less," with lots of brown sugar, light fruit, juniper berries, toast, and a somewhat salty aftertaste. Medium-bodied. Very nice.

On tap at Barley’s #1. Poured deep red-brown, surprisingly translucent, with a light tan head. I detected molasses, vanilla, and coffee in the aroma. The flavor started with a fruit explosion reminiscent of Thirsty Dog’s Imperial, which led to molasses, vanilla, burnt roasted malt, and a bit of caramel. The downside to this beer is its relatively short flavor profile and way-too-thin body that led to a rather lifeless salty/leathery finish. A very sweet example of the style.