Dark ruby with a thin tan head.... Aroma of sweet dark fruits and a bit of alcohol as it warms.... I never got the huge hop presence that i was promised on the bottle... Tasted of roasted malts and a certain medicinal flavor that got more present as the beer warmed... Medium bodied with a very mild hop finish... I wasnt blown away by this...

Tasted on tap 10/24/2008. This English strong ale pours a deep reddish brown color. Medium sized white foamy head. The aroma is fruity, caramel, spices and floral. A medium bodied ale. The malts are caramel and fruity, not too sweet Hops are earthy and floral. Very X-masy without a lot of the normal spices being around. Good carbonation. Nice balance. Mouthfeel is full and round. Finish is clean and smooth. Aftertaste is slightly bitter.

Draft @ the Laughing Dog Brewery. They still had some on draft in late June/early July. Pours dark brown and has a nice creamy tan head. Nice roasted malt smell and slight smell of piney hops. Malt has a nice roasted sweet flavor adding in some fig towards the end. Decent hop finish but to me this more malty than hoppy though it is not weak in hops. Good winter style beer that could be a weaker barley style wine.

pours a brown-mahogany with a tan head, good lacing.<br /> smell of spice, caramel, malt, touch of hops, cedar.<br /> taste is sour, spice, cocoa, woody, some caramel, dark fruits, warm.

A real coffee or chocolate aroma. Very dark rich color. Nice smoothe taste.