Poured a translucent, deep copper with a short off-white head. Aroma picked up light smoke accenting some coffee and chocolate notes.. some darker alcohol sugars emerge as it warms up.. odd, yet intriguing. Alcohol was much more apparent in the flavor, which wasn’t so welcome.. spiked caramel and other dark sugars with some herbal bitterness.. decent. Medium-bodied with alcohol points the detract a bit. Warm finish.

This poured a nearly clear amber body with a respectable off-white head. This has a very fruity nose - I picked up some apples & cherries - with sweet malt and a small whiff of earthy bitterness. The malt dominated the flavor, althoguh a mild hop bitterness builds up in the middle and lasts into the finish. Sessionable.<br /><br /><font size=-4><a href=http://www.ratebeer.com/events-detail.asp?eventID=4707><u>Monthly Chicago Area RateBeer Gathering at AleFest, Arlington Heights, IL 4/14/2007.</u></a><font size=-1><br />