Goose Eye Hop Storm

First rating for this ale. From the handpump at the Maltings, York, as of 25 January 2007 - wasn’t offered two days earlier. Picture on the pump of dark storm clouds raining over hop bines. Pours a very clear straw golden with some bubbles clinging to the side of the pint glass. Half inch dense white head that lasts through half the pint; heavy and lasting lacing throughout. Aroma is faint, although the Maltings (while a superb pub) isn’t exactly the best place to pick out a subdued ale’s nuances - slightly grassy and very marginally citric with no shred of malt balance. Surprisingly so, because the taste is upfront toffee, fading to juicy grapefruit and a smooth (not rasping at all) sweet orange marmalade flavor. Medium bitter finish - more than I’ve experienced in many bitters here so far - and a pervasive toffee or caramel malt note creeps back up in the aftertaste. Really quite nice, pleasantly smooth and drinkable. Quite happy with this one.