Beerometric

A big strong malty ale with a complex hop and fruity character.  A fireplace beer.  Chewy and warming.  The first use of the name was by Bass in the 1870s, and the beer is the offspring of strong Burton Ales.  

This beer has a pretty big colour range, anywhere from gold to dark brown.  It can be hazy when fresh, but tends to clear out with age.  The head will be low and unlikely to last for any relevant amount of time.  Aroma will be complex, especially at appropriate serving temperature, and will be strong rich malt, with caramel, toffee and toast.  Fruity esters portray dark and dried fruit, alcohol should be noticeable but soft, and the hops can range in intensity but should be floral or earthy.  With age, some vinous qualities, like sherry, or port can manifest.   This beer is full bodied, chewy even, with smooth alcohol.  Don’t expect a lot of carbonation.  The flavour is rich, toasty, caramel, toffee, sweet malt, along with those dark dried fruits, and earthy floral hops.  The balance varies and some can have higher bitterness, although this will wane with age.  The finish varies as well and can be dry or sweet and everything in between, often with some lingering oxidative notes.