By Jeff Evans

Nose

Malty and lightly raisin-fruity, with hints of tea.

Palate

Bittersweet and both malty and hoppy, with liquorice and tea notes adding to the taste. However, a slightly astringent, gently burnt taste doesn't do it any favours and it's fairly thin overall.

Finish

Dry, bitter, malty and hoppy.

Comment

Disappointing: the dryness and lack of body detract from the malt and hop flavours, and it all tastes rather tired. I didn't enjoy it as much as the last time I drank it, just over a year ago.

By Jim Anderson

Nose

Mild and vaguely nutty.

Palate

Nice, hoppy start gives way to a full-bodied, roasty and dry flavour.

Finish

A nearly-citric sharpness in the flavour lasts long into the finish, with a touch of burnt malt behind it.

Comment

Bold flavours for the style make it worth drinking.