Poured up on tap at the brewpub as a striking clear garnet with thin tan head. The aroma is roasty and nutty with some complimentary buttered bread. The taste is full rich malt roastiness followed by smooth nuttiness and a mild multi grain bread note. Toward midway the malt sweetness ramps up to join the roasty notes. The whole thing fades into the finish. Overall the sweetness becomes a little too much after a few ounces are consumed especially for the style.

Tap. Clear brown with no head by the time it was brought to the table. Aroma is malty and a nutty, bready aroma. Flavor is a tad watery and malts and grains dominate. Ok at best.

Chestnut brown. Nutty aroma with some light toffeeish notes. Soft, nutty body with light brown sugar. Pretty standard fare.

Sampler. Clear copper color, no head. Aroma of nutty caramel malt. Flavor is light, caramel sweetness. Light bodied. Not my favorite.

<i>My Bottom Line:</i><br /> Frail caramel maltiness argues with a lingering mineral character in this fizzy and, I guess, serviceable Brown Ale. Big Bear can brew better.<br /> <br /> <i>Further Personal Perceptions:</i><br /> -A mountain of froth dips into the reddish light brown.<br /> -Bubbles stuck to the glass, which is not necessarily a good sign...<br /> -The sugary component perceived did not necessarily recall malt flavors; perhaps too much brewer’s sugar was used (or other adjuncts)? Or was this simply not allowed to ferment long enough, creating a deranged flavor profile?<br /> -The body is anemic for the style and for the beer’s size.<br /> -The carbonation is not only fizzy, it is expansive. Definitely a bothersome trait when you consider the fact that few malt flavors and residual sugars are coming through.<br /> -In their regular lineup, I will surely go back for their Hibernation Pale Ale.<br /> <br /> <b>On tap at the brewpub.</b>