Winter Ale
Farmington Brewing Company

Look: Dark brown but not thick, it allows plenty of light in. The tan head is a creamy one, rising to a good height, holding up pretty well, and sticking nicely as well.
Smell & Taste: This is lauded as being full of winter spices of all kinds. Unfortunately, you're not likely to smell or taste much of any of it. This is a black licorice beer through and through. Whether what's actually used is licorice or, most likely star anise, that's all you will get unless you try very hard and have a developed enough nose and palate. When I strain, I can barely detect of bit of bite from cinnamon and maybe some ginger-like spiciness, but it takes real effort. If you like a nice black licorice, this is your beer. I've had a few beers intended to be like drinking black licorice (not common, but they're out there), and this one out-licorices them all. I do like black licorice, but to some it will not be tolerable. While not "bad," this recipe needs to be redone with much less of that and much more of the other spices.
Feel: A firm medium body holds well, a little steely and balanced between sweet and dry with a solid flow. A bit more body and richness is good in a winter warmer, but it feels nice.