Cask. Blackfriars, Glasgow. Dark red color with an off-white head. Aroma: Blackcurrant, lightly roasted malt, wine-like sourishness, caramel. Flavor: Sourish, lightly roasted malt, berries, caramel, grape-skins, chocolate, some bitterness but more on the sourish side. Interesting.

Cask, various places. Colour is exactly as you’d expect given its name. Lovely dark colour complemented by an off-white head. Malt and fruit in the aroma - slight hint of berries. Smooth, sweet chocolate gives way to an unexpected sourness. Unbelievably strong for a mild at 6% it packs a fair bit of body. Always on my list of targets at beer festivals and I’ve never been disappointed.

Cask at The Olde Starre Inn, York 30 Apr 08.Dark ruby colored. A creamy tanned head. Hardly any aroma. Unvaried flavor of some sweet fruits. No bitterness or distinct aftertaste.

Cask-conditioned at the Bag O’Nails, Bristol 22/3/08. Deep brown colour with some ruby undertones. Aroma was subdued, with a touch of toffee and dark fruit. The flavour was more assertive with plenty of dark chocolate and fruit, and a hint of sourness in the finish. Good.

Cask @ Devonshire Arms, South Normanton. Seems to be a regular house beer. Not really a Mild (not at 6%) more like an Old Dark Ale. Nevertheless it’s very drinkable, fruity, berry nose with a full body.