Pours - from a bottle this time (rather than a can!) - a dark and clear brown with a thin off white head. A sweet and complex aroma, medicinal and oaky, peppery and fruity. A slightly syrupy malt palate, medicinal again, but with a very drying finish. The malty flavour is fruity and sappy, with also a touch if licorice. I’m quite impressed, very different for a NZ brewer.

Bottled. A deep red beer with a thin tan head. The aroma is sweet and very spicy combined with light notes of hops and fruit. The flavor is very sweet with notes of fruit and spices as well as a light touch of alcohol. Thanks Papsoe for hauling this home from NZ.

Hazy brown with medium beige head. Sweet aroma with roasted malt, caramel and ripe fruits. Sweet flavor with roasted malt, ripe fruits and caramel notes. Ends sweet.

Blind tasting at Papsoe’s. Dark, brown colour with a little head. Aroma of yeast, caramel and some spices. Flavour of yeast, dried fruit, and roasted malt. Ends up yeasty.