By Jeff Evans

Nose

A sharp, cedary/oaky aroma generally obscures sweet malt and gentle citrus fruit.

Palate

Quite thin for the strength, or perhaps delicate is the word. Flavours major on tart, almost acetic oak, vanilla, a rummy sweetness and a hint of cola from the dark but restrained malt. Gently bitter.

Finish

Sweetness on the swallow runs into the finish, which is otherwise oaky and very dry, with most of its bitterness from the wood.

Comment

An attractive, red-amber ale matured in rum casks, but it doesn't quite deliver for its strength.

By Glenn Payne

Nose

Subtle hints of molasses and redolent spiciness with vinous background.

Palate

Malt and spicy sweetness combine well and accompanied by light caramel.

Finish

Sweetness soon gives way to blunt sourness that dominates to the end.

Comment

Russet coloured. Rather imbalanced and needs to maintain the initial malt sweetness.