Hockley Valley Dark

This Ale pours a black colour with a tan frothy head. First scents are a little metallic with a scent of dark malt. A little bit of molasass too. First sip is smooth and has a definate molassass taste. Quite smooth but a little watery. Very roasted palate, similar to a weak stout. All in all a good beer.

Straightforward brown ale - roasty malts with some caramel and maybe chocolate. Slightly thin and not a lot of character - basic but drinkable.

500 ml can sampled with ClarkVV and tiggmtl because we just didn’t have enough great beer at the Mondial. Dark, clear reddish-brown with a tol’ble head...caramel and licorice dominate the nose, at least until the odd metallic-sulfury hints creep in...body is very odd, metals and solvents nearly crushing the caramel malts and hints of yeast (odd), brackish watery characteristics...yet somehow it remains drinkable, like a beaten and bruised and not terribly good boxer going into the ring for one more round against a vastly superior opponent. Of course, he loses...but at least a little respect is due.

Had this one at an OCAD party. Not a terribly satisfying brown, but it has a great colour despite it’s watery palate and flavour. Worth a try to venture through a list of differnt Ontario Brews. Otherwise it’s a big watery waste.

Caramel, licorice, grapefruit, light metallic note. Clear, dark brown with a decent tan head that covers throughout and leaves some sudsy lace. Lightly fruity flavour with a nutty character is marred by metallic and solventy notes. Light body is watery with low carbonation. Can sampled with ClarkVV and muzzlehatch.

2005, I assume, pub can from Sammy, thanks! Orange-amber-brown with a beige head, which is well retained leading to questions of whether there is a widget in there (there isnt). Quite creamy and lasts atop the beer at couple centimeters through most of the glass. No lacing, however. Smells foremost of light caramel, hazelnuts and mineral water, with some notes of anise and light yeast as well. Flavor begins with toffee, biscuits and a simple caramel-additive-like sugar. Citrus and cardboard mix for the finale. Watery to the max. Plant stalks, some earthiness that I wouldnt quite call roast. Tobacco ash mixed in to water on the end, as well, as it gets rather dirty. Forced carbonated mouthfeel, with just tons of wateriness, I must reiterate. Some sweet cherries and toffee linger on the aftertaste.

Pours a dark brown body with a thin beige head. Lots of carbonation going on here in the body though. Looks like cola. Aromas are faint malt, coffee, smokey, and caramel. Tastes like coffee, balanced with some sweet malt and some mild nut flavours. FInish is smooth, leaving a nice malt aftertaste. Well done! A lot more enjoyable than the organic lager!

Half liter can. Pours dark and smoothly carbonated, very Britiish style NO widget, forms medium silky head. Toffe/caramel aromas emerge. Drinks very smooth and balanced, intentionally lighter body with measured notes of fruit and fleeting hints of tart/sourness. Feels great on the palate. Hops are well integrated and show only as complimenting the general balance. Very quaffable yet refined and satisfying brew, I could drink a few of these quite enjoyably. Thanks for stocking this nice handcrafted ’true to type’ beer, LCBO!<P>It’s all in your expectations.