Pints Pub Dark Star Ale

[Cask at the brewpub] A hazy red-brown beer with a tiny brown head. The aroma is very sweet with notes of berries. The flavor is sweet and fruity as well as notes of berries leading to a dry roasted finish on a background with hints of alcohol.

Bright medium-brown colour. Hints of toffee are all but lost in the Diacetyl Bomb nose. Toasty, with light pear esters in the palate, hints of acidity in the finish. Oh yeah, and a ton of diacetyl. I know it is supposed to be acceptable in English-style ales but a) this goes beyond the limits of acceptability and b) even if it doesn’t go beyond those limits, that doesn’t mean I have to like it. I hate diacetyl with a passion and therefore cannot declare this beer enjoyable.

(cask) Crystal clear dark copper body with off-white head. Aroma is medium sweet, raisin, toffee, butterscotch, grape. Taste is moderately sweet, raisin, caramel, toffee, with light earthy in the finish. Watery light-medium body with no carbonation.

On tap at the Pints Brew Pub [1/2 pint glass]. Cask. Poured a deep brown color with a small sized off white head. Aromas and tastes of nuts, light chocolate, caramel, and lightly fruity.

Draught. Body is dark orange-brown. Aroma is moderately malty (nutty, caramel), with a note of butter. Flavor is moderately sweet, moderately acidic, lightly bitter. Finish is moderately acidic, moderately bitter. Light to medium body, watery texture, soft carbonation, moderately astringent.