Fireside Ale

Appearance - 4.0

Pours 2 fingers of tan head that has a good retention and leaves some nice lacing. The beer is a dark reddish brown, with ruby highlights when held up to the light.

Aroma - 3.0

Crystal malts stand out the most along with some roasted chocolate and a smokey aroma.

Mouthfeel - 3.5

Medium in body, moderate carbonation and smooth and creamy feeling.

Taste - 3.5

Roasted malts and a little bit of hops towards the end. The smokiness mostly shows up in the finish and aftertaste, lingering for a bit. Reminds me a little bit of a smooth brown ale in the beginning, but with a hoppier finish and a smokey flavor. The alcohol is very well hidden.

Overall - 3.5

A pretty good beer, the smokey flavor isn't overdone, and there is a good balance of malts and hops. Makes a good winter brew.