A little bit overrated these days. I find the malt flavours to be more simplistic than they used to be, and butteriness could be toned down a bit.

<b>Date:</b> 10/21/1997<br /> <br /> amber, light malt aroma, light malt flavor, hint of bitterness in the finish <br /> <br /> <b>Aroma:</b> 5/10; <b>Appearance:</b> 5/10; <b>Flavor:</b> 5/10; <b>Palate:</b> 5/10; <b>Overall:</b> 10/20<br /> <b>Rating:</b> 2.6/5.0<br /><b>Score:</b> *4<br /> --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br /> <i>The score was calculated based upon the notes and an old scoring system.</i><br />

341 ml bottle from Premier Wine and Spirits in Halifax, NS (May 2007) drunk a bit below cellar temperature from a Corsendonk glass. Very little head, though what there is lasts a bit, topping a clear dark amber-brown body....nose is herbal, lightly malty, yes there’s that vaunted butteriness though it doesn’t seem to be infection, fairly pleasant if innocuous....smooth, sweet, pretty full-bodied on the tongue, carbonation very low at first but develops a light prickliness at the finish; some faint herbal bitterness (thyme/oregano) and a bit of caramel keep this from real dullness but it never really asserts itself either....alcohol is light, pleasant and warming. I would have thought of this as more of an English Strong Ale, but "Irish Ale" is what it calls itself. Best beer I’ve had from Alberta thus far. :)

Head is initially small, frothy, off-white, mostly diminishing. Body is medium amber. Aroma is moderately malty (cookie, caramel), lightly hoppy (resin), with notes of peach, butterscotch, and honey. Flavor is moderately sweet, lightly bitter. Finish is lightly sweet, lightly bitter, lightly acidic. Medium body, creamy texture, lively carbonation.