By Jeff Evans

Nose

Hazelnuts, treacle and creamy caramel.

Palate

Sweet, creamy malt and caramel lead the way, backed up by some chocolate, coffee and nut notes that bring a touch of bitterness. Good body and texture.

Finish

A hint of orange cream on the swallow gives way to a bittersweet malt and milk chocolate finish that dries all the time.

Comment

This is a brown ale for Christmas, so is hardly going to be at its freshest at this time of the year. Nevertheless, it's obvious that this is a tasty, satisfying beer with interesting, balanced flavours.

By Jim Anderson

Nose

Spicy and sweet, with ginger and sweetnuts..

Palate

Lovely, fine conditioning with plenty of chocolate and dark malt flavours.

Finish

Gradual fade into the dryness of dark cocoa.

Comment

Rich and luxurious, an everyday dark mild for those with high self esteem.