Sampled on tap at Pizza Port Carlsbad. Didn’t see the label and assumed it was a barleywine before drinking. Surprised that’s for sure. English brown ale it said in tiny font below the tap list. Clear bronze color with minimal head. Caramelized brown sugar, light molasses and a faint hop character in the aroma. Straightforward flavor of more brown sugar and caramel malts. A bit spicy on the palate. Quite drinkable, light body. Not too shabby.

The deep, violet colored body shines with dark crimson as the transparent liquid is backlit. A dense, spongy, mocha colored head shows good retention, while swaths of fine, sugary lace cling to the glass. The aroma shows barely scorched caramel, with a bevy of dark fruits (figs, dates, raisons) encrusted in baked-on brown sugar. Hazelnuts and pecans lend a roasted nuttiness, while a hefty dose of lactose offers a calming creaminess. I even pick up light hints of smoke, chocolate, and coffee. Flavors mimic the nose, caramelized fruits and nuts balancing between sweet and earthen. A nice dose of spicy hops show on the finish, though the lactic mocha cream is there to douse the heat. Smooth and silky in the mouth, with moderate to low carbonation, this drinks surprisingly easily for an 8% brew. This reminds me of a poor man’s Avery Old Jubilation. I enjoyed this quite a bit, and I certainly think it is well under appreciated.

sweet, citrus and caramel; altogether caramel aroma; fairly slick and flat carbonation; average appearance; bittersweet, sugary, citrus flavor; the amount of alcohol IS hidden; i am not sure about this, but it might be trying to be too much--simplify.

Thanks Tonka! Pours a very dark reddish brown with a small creamy tan head. Sweet slightly burnt malt aroma with a decent amount of citrus hops, a bit fridgy. Darker flavor, burnt brown sugar with generous hopping, earthy. The 8% is pretty well hidden. Strong flavors that aren’t overpowering, a bit plasticy. Medium body that isn’t too full with fine sizzling carbonation. Pretty easy drinking for a beer with that burnt flavor.

12oz bottle from Miketd. Pours dark caramelly brown, thinnish tan head, good retention, specks of lace. Smells nice and malty and slightly dark fruity. Tastes sweet, caramelly malty with a finish of sweet dark fruits, raisins namely. Medium/thick body with good but subdued carbonation.