3.9 AROMA 4/10 APPEARANCE 5/5 TASTE 9/10 PALATE 4/5 OVERALL 17/20
Alcohol interferes with aroma -meaning, I guess, that I don’t detect anything strongly. Dark ruby brown color. Flavor is malt, accompanied by unassignable fruit. A bit sweet, but that’s expected. The malt overpowers the hops at the finish. Very drinkable, but perhaps a bit of citrus would balance things.
3.3 AROMA 7/10 APPEARANCE 3/5 TASTE 6/10 PALATE 2/5 OVERALL 15/20
a sim rate: (on tap at Bier Circus, Croydon)
Very spicy aroma with a bit of a synthetic washing powder scent. Tastes a bit like something battered and fried, but I couldn’t place what. Bit of a hard liquor edge to the aftertaste.
4.1 AROMA 8/10 APPEARANCE 5/5 TASTE 8/10 PALATE 4/5 OVERALL 16/20
UPDATED: JAN 9, 2006 updated 1/2006: cloudy reddish-brown colour with a rocky, brown-tainted head and a nice lacing; strong estery nose, notes of apple and melon; sweet with a robust malt backbone; long malty and fruity finish with notes of caramel and some residual sugars; a hint of warming alcohol brings the final touch to this very enjoyable beer
1/2001: bordeaux colour, banana aroma, spicy, sweet, full-bodied, spicy aftertaste
3.4 AROMA 7/10 APPEARANCE 4/5 TASTE 7/10 PALATE 3/5 OVERALL 13/20
I guess I’m a bit out on a limb here, but I just don’t find this too special. The whole thing is too dominated by treacle toffee and sweet molasses for my taste. Ended up with a massive head, however carefully I poured it. At first glance it appeared deep chocolate brown but, holding the glass up to the light, the underlying rich cherry colour was apparent. The aroma is vaguely herbal and spicy, but principally molasses and candy sugar. More of the same in the flavour. Treacle toffee. Very rich but, although there is enough acidity to prevent it from being too cloying it is still rather syrupy in texture for me. Quite nice, but nothing to rave about as far as I’m concerned. The high alcohol level is not intrusive. Anyone else find those cute gnomes intensely irritating by the way? Bottled (750ml), from beersofeurope.co.uk
3.7 AROMA 7/10 APPEARANCE 4/5 TASTE 7/10 PALATE 4/5 OVERALL 15/20
Poured a reddish brown with an off white head. Aromas of raisins, plums, spices and sugar. Tastes of molasses, spices, sugar, alcohol and dark fruits. Sweet. An OK winter beer.
3.7 AROMA 7/10 APPEARANCE 4/5 TASTE 7/10 PALATE 4/5 OVERALL 15/20
Bottle from Party Source. Poured reddish brown color with an average frothy head that lasted with good lacing. Complex dark fruit and yeasty aroma. Medium body with a smooth texture. Medium fruity sweet flavor with a medium sweet finish of long duration with a small alcohol bite. This is a good beer
4.6 AROMA 9/10 APPEARANCE 5/5 TASTE 9/10 PALATE 5/5 OVERALL 18/20
Tap at Blind Tiger. Deep dark reddish garnet colour, creamy white head. The aroma is awesome. Loaded with rich toasted plums, toffee and rich sweet stone fruit. Very spicy and sweet with lots of clove, orange, dark burnt sugar, brown sugar and even a bit of vanilla and chocolate. So complex and so inviting. The palate is very soft and wheaty wit a silken quality that just lets the brew coat the tongue in silken deliciousness. Sweet dates, toasted sugar and lots of mintiness on the back. This stuff is really tasty. Warming lets the caramelly and plummy malts really come into harmony with the spicy yeast. Lightly peppery on the back. Man, I love this brewery.
3.7 AROMA 7/10 APPEARANCE 4/5 TASTE 7/10 PALATE 4/5 OVERALL 15/20
2003 Vintage: Rich dark brown color with a large puffy tan head with thick, clumpy lacing. Dry musky malt aroma with a mild spiciness to it. Body starts rich and sweet with plenty of Belgian malt and some milk chocolate, giving way to the thyme and citrus. Smooth and nicely spiced and it hides its alcohol very well. A nice winter warmer.
|
