Bottle. Dark ruby, almost black in colour with the usual tan/beige head. Fruity/winey aroma with hints of treacle, berries and a touch of fuggles hops. Initially very sweet on the tongue, there are yeast and hop characteristics that lead to a surprisingly dry finish. More rich than 5.1% suggests. A complex beer that should be savoured on its own. I’ll certainly be keeping an eye out for the cask.

Bottled, Sainsburys.Very dark, with an attractive whitish head, thick and long lasting.Certainly looks the part. Nose is rich, with spice & fruit, reminds me of Soreen, the malt loaf. The palate is similar, with a lovely long lingering finish. A fairly complex brew which is surprisingly good and very satisfying.

NOt bad, blond and creamy, really interesting in its bitter flavor, but it was just another bitter beer in here.

A dark brown ale with a flash of ruby. A full flavor of maltiness a nd dry hop finish. Quite complex in that the malt, hop and yeastiness just swirl around! One of the nicest examples of this style that I have sampled!

500ml bottle from Sainsbury. Some good chewy malts on aroma. On cask this is a real favourite of mine. Some smoke, some laid back liquorice. It is an unusual style that I must admit I like very much. It’s just got interesting flavours that you don’t get in other beers. Slight sour edge to the molasses on the end but then some more rich malt. Bit of a stunner.