Cask gravity at SIBA BF, Paddock Wood. Hazy russet, thin beige head. It’s a slightly malty, red berry best bitter, some mild choc. It’s ok, nothing exceptional.

[on handpump at the Retreat, Reading] Pours a very attractive deep bronze-brown, with amber highlights - like a naturally dark-haired female pop star’s new hairdo. No head and no carbonation. Smells beguilling - hints of smoke and blackcurrant. Taste not quite as strong as aroma suggested - just a hint of smoke, some stewed fruits, a bit of leather, some red wine and some treacle, with just the right amount of bitterness to prevent it feeling sticky. Reminded me of a cross between a mild (maybe Pint-Sized Mild) and an old ale (perhaps Stonehenge Old Smokey), but without quite the depth or finish of either. Nevertheless, this is a very enjoyable brew that I could happily drink again. Recommended. c8

A Mes rate: bottle thanks to Tashi.
Lovely red brown colour with a bubbly off white head. Peachy fruity aroma with some pineapple and sweet malt in the background. Dry and dusty flavour with some alka seltzer like tangy character. Earthy malt is a little too earthy if you get me. Dry finish with a hint of bitterness. nothing special.

Brighton Beer Fest. A dark beer with some roast and hop bitterness, and a lot of garden mud character. Vague wet wood and old socks. Quite pleasant, but also potentially unpleasant. Initially sweet tasting, but mouthfeel is quite dry.

Cask (gravity dispense) at Ealing Beer Festival, May 2006. More deep copper colour than red, I’d say. Toffee and faint chocolate in the aroma. Soft, smooth mouthfeel with some caramel malt and a touch of treacle sweetness. Dries out a bit on the finish. Despite all the malt touches, the mouthfeel was a bit lightweight. More hop presence would have pepped this up a bit.