One of the better beers from my time in the UK--lacks the harsh, soapy bitterness of most English ales, opting instead for a slightly maltier finish. Wish I could find this in the US.

I’ve always heard this referred to as ’skull attack,’ although in reality there is nothing dangerous or different about it. Large persistent head on a dark golden body. Interesting and rewarding flavor. Hints of malt, caramel, and occasional flashes of fruitiness. This is let down, ultimately, by a thin body and limp feel in the mouth. But good effort and a bitter worth drinking. (in bottle)

Bottled. Amber with a think white crusty head that persisted throughout. I was greated from the edge of the glass by fresh malt aromas. A little bit of hop as well. Good flavour with a well balanced bitter finish. Smooth dry palate. I look forward to having it on cask.

500ml bottle from Franglais, Calais. This was my free bottle (buy 5 get one free, so I ended up with 8 scoops for €15 which I thought was a good deal). I’m not convinced that the bottled version is filtered as there is definitely some sediment in the bottom and it poured as a hazy copper colour. Thick lasting off white head. Slight yeast aroma. Some nice citrus hop too. Bit too carbonated. Nice yeast, malt, hop aroma balance. The bubbles are just too much. Quite a decent bitter, if it was on cask. I seem to remember having this at a Wetherspoons in Canterbury and liking it. Nice malts, reasonable fullness in the mouth.

Tawny apppearance and poured with no head. Plenty of bitterness but nothing else going for it.