First sip reveals a surprising amount of tartness in the beer. It's not the usual bitterness of hops that I've come to expect from an ale - it's more like a lemon tartness. It treads lightly on the tongue before running down the throat, disappearing into the stomach with a trail of bubbles and a grainy malt in its wake. After the finish is complete, the whole mouth has a very earthy taste lurking in it. It's a clever way to get someone to drink more - as the mouth feels more dry than when it started.
A healthy swig is in order.
Tip-in is almost watery. Then the middle brings raisins and toffee with the noticeable lemon flavor and its tartness. The carbonation fizzles around the outskirts of the tongue while some cherry flavor whisks around a bit. The middle is actually really good. Then the finish starts, and it is a bit harsh for my taste. It hits with a bitterness of hops and includes some grain and floral bits. Then again, after the finish, I get the earthy tones, but there is less of it.
It is a good beer in general. I'd like less of the finish, but what are you going to do? I know this beer has been held up as the standard by which others are judged, and it's a good standard. It's not the best beer out there, but it's a good one. As I drink it more, I like it more. It's possible - by disregarding the instructions on the packaging - I started drinking it when it was too cold.
4.25/5