Firestoker
Marston's Plc.

Clear 500ml bottle, best before Feb 09, drank in Aug 08.

The label claims it is a 'Pale Ale'.

Poured into a straight pint sleeve glass. Light amber in colour, with a good foam blanket of white bubbles sat on top. Slight haze, but not cloudly.

Aroma of candy-floss, but not sickly, just sweet. There is some vanilla in there, but not sure I'd have picked that up without the label leading me to it!

The taste is sweet as well, but a bitterness fights back as you sip the beer and it becomes harsher as the beer warms in the mouth and throat. There is a good hop presence too.

The beer has a drying effect on your mouth, and it made me burp a bit, so plenty of carbonisation I suppose. Can't call it refreshing, but it is a decent beer and one with a different feel and taste to it compared with most other British Brews.

Coming in a clear 500ml bottle, with BB date of 31 MAR 06.
A: dark orangey golden hue, with an o.k. foamy beer head settling fast to a rim of medium bubbles; very fine carbonation detected.
S: deep note of sweetish vanilla-powder underlined by a soft oaky aroma, also like hazel-nut flavoured milk chocolate! Also noticeable is a sweetish flow of pale malts with a tinge of honey, and some sweetish fruity note of citrus-fruits and cherries in the background. Overall quite softly-tuned malty aroma.
T: immense flavour of vanilla edge of new oak barrels upfront--lightly sharp and aromatic bitter-sweet; the woody and slightly leafy bitterness follows the semi-sweet vanilla flavour along with a bitter tangerine taste, turning intensively bitter towards the end and bringing out a green-tea like texture. Dryish finish, against a lingering oaky, flowery and bitter aftertaste attached to the tongue deep down.
M: lively mouthfeel accompanied by a touch of sharp woody touch initially, going softer as bitterness gathers force, and ends a bit thin and clean on the palate.
D: a medium-flavoured bitter with some interesting elements. Quite nice to try but lacks a more pronounced flavour and depth to match the sweet-wood note. Different for a Bitter~~

The smell right out of the bottle is comparable to a skunk mixed with sugar. The color is a light copper with relatively no head. The taste is quite exciting...The initial is that of coffee, then as it goes down a chocolaty flavor begins to emerge, really quite enjoyable. After the initial sip the chocolate stands out the most, especially in the smell. Surprising for an English bitter.

(500 ml bottle). Deep golden to amber colour, moderate head. Aroma is hoppy and dominant vanilla. Flavour is not sweet, quite bitter actually, and the vanilla somehow seems out of place. I guess there's a reason most beers don't smell and taste strongly of vanilla. Nice for a change of pace, though.

Pours a nice deep amber with a big bubbly white head. Rich hoppy nose with a malty, shortcake-esque linger. Slight scent of something more powerful like liqourice aswell.

Taste is remarkably complex - It starts very smooth and sweet, with caramel, butterscotch, fruity esters and vanilla tones, with a biscuity follow-on, finishing with a strong bitter aftertaste with a little woody spice.

Mouthfeel is nice, drinkability is great.

16 oz clear bottle. Shiny deep golden to bright orange, glowing color. Whte foamy, bubbly head. Toasted malt smells, rich biscuit and fresh cut Goldings hops. Very crisp inviting aromas. First taste included the full tasty toasted malt flavors. Very rich and full, then pockets of vanilla dance on the tongue. Everywhere makes a crisp sweetness and a belly warming effect. Very unique and inviting combination. Slight whispers of oak, and fresh whole hops. Oily and resiny hints cleanse the palate and strong bitterness cuts through. Medium to full bodied. The vanillas hints will leave you scratching your head and wishing for more. I would recommend it as a full glass autumn harvest beer to have at the end of a long day as the label suggests. One to put your feet up with and savor. Excellent beer throughout.