91 Combined Harvest Multigrain Beer, Batemans (England). 4.7% ABV (2/09)
Brilliant pale amber color with a lacy head. Aromas of buttered multigrain toast and orange marmalade follow through on a soft, round entry to a crisp, dryish medium-to-full body with lively citrus acidity and walnut praline notes. Finishes with a tangy, palate stimulating fade of cocoa, nuts and mild citrusy hops. A superb food beer.
90 Tomos Watkin Lovely Ale, The Hurns Brewing Co. (Wales). 4.5% ABV (2/09)
Deep amber color with a frothy head. Mild toasted buttermilk biscuit and grain aromas follow through on a round, supple entry to a dryish medium body with a fine mesh of nuts and dried autumn fruits. Finishes with a snappy wisp of praline and earthy hops.
89 Tomos Watkins Old Style Bitter, The Hurns Brewing Co. (Wales). 4.5% ABV (2/09)
Hazy burnished amber color with a fine mousse. Aromas of cocoa-dusted nuts, dried apple, cooked okra and raisin toast follow through on a supple, finely frothy entry to a dryish medium body with tangy mild citrus and cream notes, and a refreshing white nut-accented fade. A spot-on bitter.
89 Honkers Ale, Goose Island Brewing Co. (IL). 4.3% ABV (3/10)
Aromas of sweet apricot and orange marmalade on pound cake aromas follow through on a round, silky entry to a fruity-yet-dry medium body with tangy sourdough toast and grapefruit notes on the gentle finish. A tasty quaffer.
88 Younger’s Special Bitter Ale, Rogue Ales (OR). 5% ABV (2/09)
Deep amber color with a fine blanket of manila foam. Roasted pecans and pumpernickel toast aromas follow through on a bright, vibrant entry to a dry medium-full body with firm tart grapefruit peel hoppiness and a nutskin-accented fade. A boisterous, West Coast hophead domestic version of bitter ale.
88 Old Legover, Daleside Brewery (England). 4.1% ABV (3/10)
Dark amber color. Aromas of chocolate mousse, roasted grains and pecan pie follow through on a round, silky entry to a dry-yet-fruity medium body with nice dried stone fruit and roasted nut notes. Finishes with a tangy, leafy vegetable accent.
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