Bonfire Boy
Harvey's Brewery

Hefty bottle of glass that appears black it's so dark when full.
L- The beer is actually a lovely deep mahogany brown, clear as a bell (it's not bottle conditioned hence simple to pour). Pours with a 3mm ultra-fine bubble white head.
S- It has a deep toastiness and a very light smoke, sublte overall.
T- Light hints of smoke on the front, a quite deep roasty-toasty middle with some richness, and some hoppy dryness into the finish. It's very nice, it is balanced with subtlety+sophistication versus trying to make a blunt statement.
F- Overall it has quite a pungent flavour which partially masks the 5.8% ABV; blind-tasted I'd guess 5-5.2%. The hopping renders this a notably refreshing brew for a beer of this taste and style.
O- As I continue this pint and it warms a touch the smoke seems to reduce to an occasional hint. It's richness builds slightly and some fruity notes appear. The 5.8% begins to make it's presence felt too. I like it, a) I notice nothing wrong or out of balance b) as something slightly different it's interesting to try - like an English Rauchbier? c) very well suited to winter and dark nights when deeper and more strident flavours sate the palate.
Bought from Beerhawk/UK. 500ml bottle BB: Dec-20

 

Remember, remember the..........
Bottle. Clear amber with a thin tan head.
Sweet malt aroma. Toffee apple with just a touch of smoke.
The malt continues upon tasting. Demerara sugar. Bitter finish.
Rather thin. Low carbonation.
A tasty treat on Bonfire Night.

A 500ml bottle with a BB of Oct 2019. Purchased recently from the Harvey's brewery shop in Lewes (on bonfire night). Named for the participants in the famous Lewes bonfire celebrations, the label describes this ale as strong and malty with a hint of smoke.

A: Poured into a pint mug. A deep coppery-brownish colour with good clarity and plentiful carbonation. Produces a small head of creamy off-white foam that lasts for a moment before subsiding and dissipating.

S: Aroma of rich, fruity malt with hints of caramel, subtle grain, dried fruit, faint brown sugar, ale yeast, mild earthiness and a twinge of smoke. Little hop character to speak of, and possibly a touch of intentional oxidation? Very nice.

T: Tastes of fruity malt with notes of caramel, dried fruit, mild grain, a hint of brown sugar, ale yeast, vague earthiness, faint stewed leaves and a touch of smokiness in the background. Quite sweet, followed by a moderate bitterness upon swallowing.

M: Mouthfeel is smooth and tingly, with lively carbonation and decent body. Could be a shade thicker. Aftertaste of fruity malt, smoked grain, caramel and ale yeast.

O: Rather nice, and possibly the closest I've come to finding a UK ale that reminds me of Schlenkerla. Looks alright, while the aroma and flavour are a satisfying blend of fruity caramel malt, ale yeast and subtle smokiness. Nice body. My only quibble is that it would probably have more depth if it were bottle conditioned, but a top-notch brew nonetheless. Well worth sampling if you have the chance.

Very smooth body, jammy and raisiny, slightly roasty, but not overly so at all, slight bitter finish, medium body, has a slightly sweet flavour, which kind of pushed me away from it a bit, but it was still quite nice.