 Oakes (7032), Miami Beach, Florida, USA
Jan 22, 2008 Hazy burgundy brown colour, thin light brown head. Chocolate, woody aroma with notes of earth and toffee. Very hoppy profile - big woody character. Strong coffee/chocolate note as well...just big all round. As it warms, more chocolate comes through, toning down the bitterness. Nuts emerge in the finish. Rich, complex if you let it get to a decent temperature. That was worth the wait...burp.
BückDich (4605), Boise, Idaho, USA
Oct 18, 2007 <i>Draught at The Front Door, Boise, ID: </i>Pours a dark mahogany color with a thick tan head. The nose is fresh and hoppy; lots of pine and wood, earthy with a bright underlying resinous hoppy note. The flavor is full bodied and creamy, moderate malt notes with some chewy caramel and light toffee. Mostly the hop bitterness in the finish, reminds me a bit of the Stone XI Anniversary with the dark malts and ample hops. Lovely winter ale, fits the category well but blossoms out with a maltier body and a more robust, albeit hoppy, not cold, nose.
beerguy101 (3547), Newark, California, USA
Oct 24, 2008 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.
CapFlu (3353), Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
Dec 26, 2007 (12oz bottle) Purchased from Bottleworks for $1.49. Nose of spiced coffee and bourbon. Wonderful deep, near opaque body. Flavour is malted with a strange spice and chocolate. Great boozy mouthfeel and hoppy finish. Very good.
Skyview (3063), Papoose Jct., Minnesota, USA
May 11, 2008 Received a 12-oz bottle via trade with 5000. Pours a clear dark copper/brown brew with a thin beige head that has some nice retention and some spotty lacing. Aroma of malted chocolate milk balls, caramel, figs and a touch of butterscotch. Taste is medium to full bodied, a touch of carbonation with flavors of mild bitter caramel, toffee, roasted dark figs and a touch of butterscotch. Finish is semi sweet at first and then a nice citrus bitterness kicks in with a mild fig aftertaste. Allow this to warm up a little before drinking.
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