By Jeff Evans

Nose

Rich, nourishing, toffee-like malt, with traces of raisin.

Palate

Plenty of malt at first then the sweetness is countered by bitter hops. But all this soon gives way to powerful solvent, almost pear droplike, fermentation flavours and a peppery warmth that together make the strength all too apparent.

Finish

After a warming swallow, the finish is robust, firmly hoppy, dry and bitter, with malt in evidence.

Comment

This beer is still young, and should grow old gracefully in the next few years. At the moment, it's just too far up the solvent end for my liking.

By Sally Toms

Nose

Luscious, yeasty. Dare I say, winey? Dried fruits (like dates and Christmas cake).

Palate

Warming alcohol, spice.

Finish

Bitter. More bitterness. More. Then juicy! Really dries the roof of your mouth.

Comment

Good now, but this beer should improve with age. Oh no I've opened mine! Oh well, as the saying goes, a beer in the belly is worth two in the, uh, bush.