JorisPPattyn (4638), Antwerpen, Belgium Oct 3, 2003 (cask) Very dark brown, reddish shine; dense yellowish head, stable. Woody & caramel notes in the nose, dark malts in evidence. Rich chocolate and winey flavours, bitter malts finish. Rich, full bodied, at the same time as light impression without watery texture. If it were just a little less harsh on the burnt malts palate, I'd rate it quite high. JoeMcPhee (3899), Jackson Heights, New York, USA Oct 31, 2005 Deep hazy orange-amber beer with a very creamy tan head. Aroma is quite malty and chewy, light molasses, earthiness and caramel sweetness. Flavour is also malt-dominated with a spicy/fruity hop flavour in back. Light resin and a touch of mintiness mingly with lingering bready and caramelly sweetness. Finishes on the sweet side of balanced, but is a very tasty brew nonetheless. ClarkVV (3550), Allston, Massachusetts, USA Nov 8, 2007 Draught pint at Redbones on 10/24/07<br />A very deeply burnished copper-red body is lightly hazy, with a fairly dense, beige head atop. Moderate retention, light lacing.<br />Toasted malt and hops! Breadiness rolls through the nose, as straightforward C-hoppiness takes over and piles on lots of stiff citrus. Not particularly varied or interesting, it just seems rather uninspired. Malt apparency is low, other than contributing more dryness to the already dry, acidic nose. Some light caramel and dough notes, but nothing to distract from the heavy citrus dominance. Clean, though, otherwise and no alcohol is noted. Medium strength of aroma.<br />Fruitiness starts up initially; some cherries, red apples, strawberries but is quickly curtailed by the stronger white grapefruit and orange bitterness. Soft, yeasty texture but with minimal comfort from any real malt suppleness. Grainy and bready on the finish, with hop acids steadily fatiguing the palate. Tastes like dry graham crackers and marmalade by the end. No alcohol or flaws. Too bitter, needs more malt balance/complexity. Volgon (2463), Manchester, New Hampshire, USA Nov 21, 2004 On tap at Redbones: Cloudy orange/brown with a thin off-white head. Grains, molasses, and some light mellon in the aroma, full bodied with soft carbonation, starts off lighly swet and then gets a bit more sweet. Very drinkable. Crit (2258), New Westminster, British Columbia, Canada Dec 19, 2002 01 Version :Deep amber with thin head. Malty nose and taste with a few light finishing hops.
Obviously it is much different this year
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