By Jeff Evans

Nose

Biscuity, lightly smoky, nutty and coffee-like.

Palate

Crisp, nutty and biscuity with sweet coffee flavours. The texture is light and the taste is full and fresh. Gently warming.

Finish

Pleasant burnt grain notes emerge alongside coffee in the dry, increasingly bitter finish. Just a little bit chalky, though.

Comment

Described as a ‘traditional Norwegian smoked ale with juniper berries'. I get the smoke – which thankfully is well kept in check – but the juniper passes me by completely. An impressive beer.

By Sally Toms

Nose

Smoked meat and old fashioned orange marmalade.

Palate

Sour, bitter and sweet together like burnt onions. But not too dark and curiously refreshing.

Finish

The smokiness lingers.

Comment

The sort of beer that makes you suck in your cheeks, but you go back for another sip.