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Sampled on Tap at 1702, Tucson AZ; August 2008
Arrives from the tap with a dark tan, deeply amber stained, one-finger thick head that sits on top of a hazy, red-toned, dark amber colored beer. The aroma has lots of caramelized flavors in it with a mix of concentrated citrus notes thrown into the mix. Sweetened grapefruit and candied orange peel aromas are backed by sugar-coated pine needles and a citrusy spruce note. As the beer warms up a full, toasty, biscuit-like character starts to become much more noticeable.

The taste is quite sweet, though it is heavily caramelized with an almost candy like, definitely toffee character. Viscous feeling, chewy and thick, this is definitely a sipping beer. There is lots of hop character here though the sticky malt character is big enough that the hop character is not the dominant note. Candied grapefruit flavors, lychee, spruce and a pine like edge that couples with a nicely bitter finish. The finish, while bitter, can't quit offset the thick, chewy malt flavors that dominate this beer.

This hides the alcohol well, but has way too much sticky, crystal malt influenced, sweet malt flavors to it. Not bad, but can be a bit much at times.

Served In: Pint Glass

This is too expensive, but I wanted to try one of them.

A - Pours a dark red body with no haze to it. Head is big, standing almost 3 inches tall, tan, and made up of varying sized bubbles. Good retention.

S - Big ripe hoppiness, with some pine resins and some orange rind. Caramel malt sweetness. Bit of cinnamon here? Some breadiness.

T - Starts off with a rush of sweetness. Caramel, toffee, and pralines. Hops come in, bringing some herbal earthiness, light pine, and very slight citrus. Distinct spiciness that reminds me of spice cake.

M - Feels too thin in my opinion. Medium bodied at best. Carbonation feels surprisingly low given the huge head.

Overall - This one just doesn't do it for me. It's not bad beer by any means, just nothing here stands out either. Too thin to really sip.

Price: $15.99 Served In: Tulip