<b>Objectively speaking:</b> Draught at Brouhaha. Scotch ale or not, this is one tasty spicy, caramelly beer which does not forget about drinkability. <br /> <b>I like:</b> Sweetness is absolutely kept under control. The spice level is not abusive at all, just unusual for the one who expects a straightforward scotch ale. Appealing jammy fruit profile rich with ripe cherries, strawberries and plums. Toasty, clean malt profile provides s surprisingly chewy body for a Bièropholie. Comfortable, smoothly carbonated and coherent. <br /> <b>I dislike:</b> Some hop or peat audacity might be a fun addition, but I like it a lot as it is.

Bottle… Clear, very dark, copper ale with a small, creamy, off-white head. Strange aroma; dark raisins, molasses, dark-medium-sweet port and a weird sassafras/mint ester or phenol. Full-bodied and oily with ticklish carbonation. Perfectly-balanced. Light molasses, sassafras, vinous esters and a rumor of chocolate. Adequate bitterness. Finishes minerally and lightly bitter. That sassafras/mint essence is out of place here and, for me, diminishes all the good qualities of this beer. However, I’m grateful for the opportunity to try it as it’s my favorite style and I really dig the brewery. <b>Kudos to glouglouburp for shipping it to me!</b>

<i>My Bottom Line:</i><br /> Star anise rises and shines &#40;too brightly?&#41; atop the rich caramel body of this fruity and sweet Scotch Ale.<br /> <br /> <i>Further Personal Perceptions:</i><br /> -A slice of foam covers the deep burgundy.<br /> -Star anise is overwhelming in the nose and provides absinth-like flavors alongside its usual licorice sweetness.<br /> -Some roastiness accompanies an alcohol prod.<br /> -Its wealthy mouthfeel might be my favorite feature.<br /> <br /> <b>On tap at Brouhaha.</b>

Lots of sweet buttery butterscotch in the nose along with strong anis and subtler suggestions of chocolate and brown sugar. Occasional notes of light hay. Very dark and hazy ruby-brown body is topped by a fizzy, large bubbled, tan head that recedes quite rapidly to partial cover. Flavour is more caramel than butterscotch and for that I am quite thankful. Anis/licorice flavour is also quite strong. Overall flavour is sweet malt offset by spices with some roasty dark malt character emerging towards the finish. Medium body verges on slickness in texture but this is offset by fairly prickly, sharp carbonation. Tulip glass. Cellar temperature. Bottle &#40;Rahman, Jun-08&#41;.

A deep dark brown ale with reddish hues, and a thin moka head. A pleasant aroma of chocolate, butterscotch and molasses, with good vinous notes, and a bit of vanilla. In mouth, an oily mouthfeel of burned caramel, licorice, and treacle. A bit short, but overall, a good representation of the style. Bottle bought at Jovi, Hull, 2.99$.