 muzzlehatch (4425), Burlington, Vermont, USA
May 17, 2005 12 oz bottle. Dark, very clear copper-red, head near-white and quickly diminishing...caramel, cherry and maple and a touch of rustic hops in the warm nose...body rather sour, despite dark fruits and brown sugar character, no hop presence...rather burnt and syrupy at the finish. Hmmm, going to have to go with Ernest on this one...this sample, at least, was nowhere as good for me as the other raters found it.
Ernest (4217), Boulder, Colorado, USA
Mar 14, 2004 Head is initially average sized, frothy, off-white, mostly diminishing. Body is hazy dark amber. Aroma is moderately malty (cookie, caramel), lightly hoppy (flowers, herbs), with a light note of peach, hint of vinegar. Flavor is moderately sweet, lightly acidic, lightly bitter. Finish is lightly sweet, moderately acidic, moderately bitter, slightly acetic. Medium body, watery texture, lively carbonation. There's a wisp of vinegar in the aroma and an off sourness that hurts this one a fair bit. Seems like it has potential, and I like that they're not using punishing amounts of hops, nor stinky ones. But sadly, this batch (should be 03/04 winter edition) seems off to me, based on this sample.
jcwattsrugger (3862), Florida and, New Jersey, USA
Dec 30, 2006 on tap-pours an off white head and red color. Aroma is faint malt. Taste is malty, faint hops.
ClarkVV (3547), Allston, Massachusetts, USA
Oct 26, 2004 2004 bottle. Pours a clear light auburn red with bright orange tinges and a small light yellow head. Aroma of fruity yeast (cherries, prunes, strawberries) and a light caramel malt. Flavor is lightly yeasty, with a good even caramel flavor. Malts are not overdone, and it has a simple fruity sugary feel. Medium body. Low acid hops, producing more fruity flavors. I’m using the word fruity alot it seems. . .Well that’s what I’m getting, though I would like more yeastiness, some earthy tones and a richer more complex malt profile. As it stands it seems like a very drinkable strong amber ale.
jjpm74 (2899), Connecticut, USA
Jan 26, 2006 Pours copper with a white head. Smells of tea, caramel, toffee, pine, some anise. Taste is of pine resin, roses, maple. Finish is metallic.
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