“It’s all right there in the name! Rich layers of hazelnut backed up with vanilla and lactose in this pastry-inspired brown ale.”

Glassware: English Pint.

Appearance: Deep crimson to light mahogany with a thumb of tan head emerging on top. There’s a slow and steady reduction which settles to a fine film. Laces reasonably well as we imbibe.

Aroma: The hazelnut component really jumps out of the glass while the vanilla is a little bit more unassuming. Once it all settles it does begin to step up though. As for the base Brown Ale…very nice. It’s grounded by the lightly toasted and nutty malts, coffee, subtle caramel and toffee, mocha, white marshmallow and earthy hops. Loving the overall balance and proportionate approach.

Flavour: First thoughts are that something is clashing. We can’t quite isolate it but it’s coming off as a medicinal and slightly off-putting fruity flavour. It’s a shame as it’s only for a few seconds after the delicious introduction of hazelnut and before the continuation of the roasty and milk chocolate driven malts. The positive is that it does subside and the hazelnut, vanilla, coffee, milk chocolate and toffee are free to do their thing to finish.

Mouthfeel: Nice and dense which we always look for in a Brown Ale. The Co2 is restrained and the 6% ABV is extremely well hidden.

Overall: Look in general it’s a good Brown Ale it’s just unfortunate we were picking up that kinda weird fruity/medicinal flavour. Anywho, we won’t hold it against them it’s a fairly decent drop.