Bottle. This was a dark ruby brown and poured with little head. The aroma was extremely malty with Christmas cake-like fruit and nuts. The flavour was rich toffee and dates with a dry finish. Very drinkable, as others have mentioned this offers a lot for a 4.6% ABV drink.

Slightly nutty, malty nose with some caramel. Pours a deep ruby amber with a firm head and good lace. Flavour is more of the sweet malt from the offset with some molasses and spiced, liquored raisins leading into a sharper and more acidic finish. The lingering flavour is a pleasant balance of this sweetness and acidity and is quite moreish. The mouthfeel is a little thin and watery, but all in all quite a pleasant brew.

Tried this at the Wellsway Inn, West Harptree. The owner insisted it as it’s not the most well known of beers and they pride in having it behind the bar. One of only a few pubs to stock it. Poured into a pint glass from a bottle fresh off the shelf. Deep, deep tawny brown with copper coming through in the lights. Light froth of white formed before dwindling off quietly, managing only minimal legs. Very subtle sticky date pudding nose with some dusty, dark, chocolaty malts shining through. Sticky in the mouth also (way I like a good ale) with rich toffee and caramel, biscuity, roasted malts and a touch of tannins late which give it an astringent swallow. The body is not too heavy but the sweetness is powerful lasting in the mouth like a sugary layer. Carbonation is light on as I’m sure it’s pasteurised and artificially carbed. Nice big malty palate that would not suit a session, one was enough. Like a dessert wine minus the alcohol. (50cL, 08/01/07)