By Jeff Evans

Nose

Oaky and creamy with plenty of malt. Suggestions of coconut and liquorice, plus a touch of orange.

Palate

Big and mouthfilling. Rich, sweet malt dominates and is only partially countered by the bite of hops. The texture is creamy and there's some tangy oak character that is kept nicely in balance.

Finish

Bittersweet, thick and malty with hop resins fighting through. Drying and tingly, with an oaky creaminess.

Comment

A smooth, sweet but complex ale, not as obviously hoppy as many American IPAs, but a great winter chill stopper.

By Glenn Payne

Nose

Imagine a barrelful of citric hops maturing in an oak barrel.

Palate

Distinctive orange but less hop characteristic than expected from an Imperial IPA.

Finish

Hops dominate but with unexpected subtelty, given base.

Comment

Copper tinted and well balanced.