6.8/10
โ
Appearance 7
Aroma 6.5
Flavor 7
Texture 7
Overall 6.5
Hazy gold with a small frothy white head and a yeasty / malty / hoppy aroma. Light bodied, hoppy bitterness, some floral hops and biscuit malt, finishes dry and slightly bitter.
Tried
from Cask
at
The Moon Under Water
on 31 Jan 2026
at 18:10
6.8/10
โ
Appearance 7
Aroma 6.5
Flavor 6.5
Texture 7
Overall 7
My first Christmas ale of 2026! A dark clear amber ale, coming across a little dank in appearance, it's nevertheless a decent seasonal, which is hoppy, dense, with a hint of spice, which in turn helps for a seasonal fruitiness towards the tropical side of things, but not quite.
Tried
from Cask
at
Paramount
on 03 Jan 2026
at 16:33
6.3/10
โ
Appearance 8
Aroma 5.5
Flavor 5.5
Texture 8
Overall 6
One of several WC seasonal specials currently knocking about - I couldn't finish the Rocky Road one found a few days ago in Richmond. This dark ale isn't as rich as that one, although its heavy breadiness isn't overly appealing in terms of taste. It also negates the regular stout character in this one. Not quite black but good-looking.
Tried
from Cask
at
The Moon Under Water
on 03 Jan 2026
at 14:05
6.8/10
โ
Appearance 7
Aroma 6
Flavor 7
Texture 7
Overall 7
Half pint on cask at the hallcross.
Medium creamy beige head. Clear almost black pour. Lots of chocolate. A bit sweet
Medium creamy beige head. Clear almost black pour. Lots of chocolate. A bit sweet
Tried
from Cask
at
Hallcross
on 29 Dec 2025
at 17:52
6.1/10
โ
Appearance 8
Aroma 7
Flavor 4.5
Texture 7
Overall 5.5
I may get the urge to run up and down steps after drinking this. Heavy raspberry additions are not too appealing, taking away much of the regular stout and dark malt influences, giving it a towards sickly taste. Chocolate in aroma is probably its greatest feature.
Tried
from Cask
at
Ralph Fitz Randall (JDW)
on 28 Dec 2025
at 21:04
6.8/10
โ
Appearance 7
Aroma 6
Flavor 7.5
Texture 6
Overall 7
On tap at Crewe Dg, Crewe. Pours a very dark reddish-brown with a small scummy tan head and good lacing. Thereโs cream, chocolate and malts in the aroma. In the mouth it is decidedly sweet but with a little underlying sharpness. Flavour has roasted malts, milk chocolate, with hints of nuts and honeycomb coming later. Finish is a little fruity. This is decent enough, but even with all the flavours listed above, still seemed a little bland to me.
Tried
from Draft
at
Crewe Dog
on 24 Dec 2025
at 13:45
6.9/10
โ
Appearance 8
Aroma 6.5
Flavor 6.5
Texture 8
Overall 6.5
Much potation taking place here with every sip. Clear golden good-looking, soft smoothish cask texture, session style hoppiness which doesn't quite have a sweetness but seems to threaten one.
Tried
from Cask
at
The Moon Under Water
on 20 Dec 2025
at 13:42
7.8/10
โ
Appearance 8
Aroma 7
Flavor 8
Texture 8
Overall 8
'Mad Friday' 2025 Beer#9. Ninth brew on one of the busiest drinking days of the year. Creamy subdued, but very tasty pine in both aroma and taste, providing a nice texture to this seasonal brew in name only. Hazy golden appearance.
Tried
from Draft
at
Hideaway Craft House
on 19 Dec 2025
at 17:41
6.5/10
โ
Appearance 7
Aroma 6
Flavor 7
Texture 6
Overall 6.5
Half pint on cask at the Hallcross.
Medium creamy beige head. Clear almost black pour. Lots of chocolate.
Medium creamy beige head. Clear almost black pour. Lots of chocolate.
Tried
from Cask
at
Hallcross
on 17 Dec 2025
at 18:52