By Jeff Evans

Nose

Toffee, caramel and hints of chocolate all feature in a rich, creamy, malty aroma. A little orange zest plus raisins and sultanas add fruit. Sherry notes and hop resins.

Palate

The expected creamy sweet flavours and fruit are rather lost beneath a strange, dominant woodiness. Powerful alcohol vapours also spoil the show.

Finish

Dry, warming and bittersweet, with nutty, creamy and woody flavours persisting.

Comment

A complex but not particularly satisfying barley wine. Not a patch on the same brewery's outstanding Alaskan Smoked Porter.