Drakes Expedition Ale

Drake’s Expedition Ale is a very nice amber ale with strong flavors of caramel malt and hops. The beer pours a darkened persimmon color with a creamy beige head. The aroma shows off a strong dose of caramel malt of a mildly roasted, somewhat fruity character. The hops are floral and fairly strong. I actually prefer the hop character of this beer to Drake’s IPA. The flavor has strong bitterness from the hops and a strong caramel sweetness from malt. There are light touches of grapes and apricots in the malt. The hops are more bitterly citric than floral on the palate. The mouthfeel is fairly round and full. The beer tastes bigger than the listed 6.5% abv, in a good way. There’s just a bit too much going on to merit a higher score.

Bottle; a nice amber-red color with a big, fluffy, tan head. Aroma was pretty assertive, with caramel, roasted malt, citrus, fruit, and chalk. Flavor was pretty balanced with fruit, caramel, roasted malt notes to go with citrus and fruity hop notes. That being said, it wasn’t a great flavor combo, and the dry finish didn’t work for me. A nice bitterness bite. Not as good as expected for me.

Deep amber with hints of red, fading to orange/yellow near head. Light lacing. Smooth from start to finish. Short, clean aftertaste. Alcohol slightly detectable. Smells light sweetened bourbon with some notes of cinnamon. Great mouthfeel. Hint of coffee in onset. Overall taste reminiscent of molasses.

Cask ale on tap at the Rose and Crown. Very dark amber color with a head that sticks around for a while. Roasted notes on the nose. Taste is dark, like chocolate or charred meat. The bitterness lingers on the palate. Pretty good.

~Pours a dark brownish amber with big creamy yellowish brown lasting head. ~Scent of chocolate, spices, malts, and spicy hops. ~More hop in the flavor than in scent. Definite spicy flavor with some mild malts. ~Frothy feel with a dry spicy hop finish. ~Enjoyable brew. Hops definitely overpower the flavor on this one. Scent has more of a malty chocolate scent.

Bottle. Pours dark brown, with swirling ruby and black. Body is opaque, and head is average in size. Aroma is an interesting blend of vibrant caramel and sweet fruit, ash, and dark chocolate. Palate is medium and balanced, with prickly carbonation. Flavor holds caramel sweetness, Big League chew and plum upfront, then some roasts, bitter chocolate, and dark malt the to the finish. Finish might be a bit harsh, due to the presence of both roasty bitterness and hop bitterness. Nonetheless, a really intriguing brew to drink, a classic situation of an stylistically ambiguous ale having more to offer than meets the eye.

Bottle 35,5 cl. Clear dark orangey golden with a creamy beige head. Aroma of nuts and roasted malt. Medium body, distinct nutty accents and roasted malt. Fairly dry finish with some hops. 100709

12 fl bottle. Pours clear and golden amber with a small off-white head. Aroma is roasted malt, light fruity too. Roasted malt flavoured. Bitter and slight fruity finish.