Thirsty Bear McDobel

Sampled on tap at the brewpub on 12/18/2008. This abbey scotch ale pours a light amber color from the tap. Medium sized white foamy head. The aroma is fruity, yeasty, sweet and spicy. A touch of orange peel and some smoke. A medium bodied ale. The malts are caramel, fruity and sweet. The hops are herbal. Touch of spices and some peat. Kind of a weird combination. It is balance way more to the abbey double. Worked for me. Mouthfeel is full. Finish is clean and smooth. Aftertaste is slightly sweet.

Poured from tap at brewbup a darker copper with thin tan head. Aroma is sweet malt, caramel and smokey. Flavor is caramel with lots of smokey peat and malt. Palate is sticky, smokey and just slightly sweet. Overall, not my favorite scotch ale. The peat flavor is a bit overwhelming and the sweetness never comes out. I will skip this one next time.

On tap @ brewpub. Somewhat flat and lifeless. Penny-colored pour with minimal carbonation. Caramel, toffee, brown sugar and molasses are evident. A bubble or two would have drastically improved this beer. Something was necessary to light a fire under my tastebuds!!! Just never happened.

Draft. Dark beer with no real head. Light peated malt aroma. Sweet malt and some smokiness i the flavor. More malt at the finish. Nice balance of things going on. Medium bodied.