Appearance - 8 | Aroma - 7 | Flavor - 8 | Texture - 8 | Overall - 8.5
Firkin version at Barley's 2nd Annual Mini RAF (03/27/04) (3.6): I wasn't as impressed with this beer's cask-conditioned version as with others during this event. The beer is a dark murky brown color with a medium tan head. The aroma is sweet maple and toffee, along with the telltale brown sugar. Medium-bodied and syrupy sweet, it appears the cask conditioning mellows out the hops bite in the normal version, making this a little too cloying with the sweetness. Same goes for the finish. Where the normal version is a great session beer, this one is just a little too much.
04/21/02: Outstanding offering from Barley's. Their seasonal stuff is top notch. Perfect hint of brown sugar make this a sweet and easy to drink ale.
Appearance - 10 | Aroma - 7 | Flavor - 8 | Texture - 10 | Overall - 9
This may be my favorite local beer. Served in a wine-style glass for obvious reasons (impressions of fermented fruit). Chestnut color and fruity finish is hands-down the most unique beer I have had from a local brewer.