Reddish dark-flavoured ale with a thin head and nice finish. I don’t know where the "watery" comment is coming from - the pint they pulled for me had tons of flavour. One of the best dark ales I’ve had, and you can’t beat the Merch’s atmosphere.

On tap, at the brewpub in St. Catharines. Brown/orange colour appearance, small white head. Subtle sweet malt aroma. Medium bodied. A really nice sweet malt base, I was surprised to see this listed as an Amber here, I thought it was a good solid brown ale. My only complaint was that it was a tad watery, otherwise this is a very flavourful brown ale and another good Merchant session brew.

2008-07-19. Dark amber-brown body, near headless. Nutty toasty-roasty malt in the aroma smells like the dust emanating from the bags of a specific type of malt that they used at Black Oak, but I don’t recall what it was. (6+) Same character carries over to the flavour, takes on a hint of the house yeast, hints of florals briefly, light bitterness, glimpses of cocoa, bit threadbare at times. Average palate. Rather decent and shows lots of promise but only delivers on part of it. Nice. Draft at the brewpub

On tap at the Brewery- According to our server, this is one of their "flagship beers" that is always on. Clear deep amber liquid sits beneath a one finger white cap. No lace to speak of. Floral hops and caramel in the nose with sugary grains and cereal. Pretty sweet malts and some bread crust lead into caramel and a nutty component. Sweet, slightly thin ,slightly bitter finish. Good.

A typical amber ale canadian style. It is working for a Rickard's Red type of ale, but it is much fresher and makes it that much pleasant.