On tap at the Publick House. Pours mid-copper, with a white rim. Aroma develops in faint brown sugar and smoke. On the tongue, a movement of rich, warm toasted oats, grain sugars, and caramel. Earthy and complex in fruit. Nuanced. Right on for the style. Good levels of malt and yeast characters. However, I can dig only so deep. Nothing really stands out. It’s generally kind of plain, but works well for the style and stays drinkable. Light alcohol and sweetness. Not too shabby.

Draught SPH. Poured amber with a thin off white head. Very little carbonation. Light lacing on the glass. Aroma was mild and earthy. The flavor was very mild. Slight malted hoppiness. Earhty malt notes. The mouthfeel is light and it has a slightly bitter finish. Very average.

Growler filled at SPH. This year’s version is listed at 4.4% abv. Pours a clear medium-to-dark gold with a thin linen white head that faded to a thin film after the first sip. Very mild aroma of malt with just a hint of earthiness to it. The flavor is very similar; very mild malt with an ever so slight amount of peat. Thin to medium bodied. To be honest, I’d have to call this beer weak, which is something I’m not accustomed to with SPH beers.

<i>Draught at Hop Devil, NYC</i><br />Dark amber color. Light aroma of caramel and very light roasted malt. Caramel taste, with a touch of roasted malt. Not bad, if you are fond of this kind of beers, but too simple for me.

On tap at Hop Devil. Almost non-existant aroma. Decent malt flavor, vegetal, very slight peat. Very uninteresting, little character or flair.