Heart Warmer
Marston's Plc.

Tasted by a half-pint at the Capitol, a JDW pub in Forest Hill, SE London, in March 2007.

A: a mildly carbonated dark russet brown body supports a well-lasting light brown creamy head.
S: lightly spicy Goldings and floral scent dominate, plus a Pedigree-like sour-yeasty and woody hint, spiced apple tea, and hays. The overall balance gears towards the sour-sweet, yeasty side.
T: tartly sweet amber malts backed by a mild brown-sugary hint develop upfront, with hops lagging behind; followed by some citrusness, dates, nuts, and a very mild spiciness behind the dried-leafy & earthy bitterness even reminiscent of dried-out sprigs. A dryish touch of roasted malts also hides at the back of the palate.
M&D: softly textured, med-bodied, easy-drinking, but slightly lacking a bold flavour, which is partly remedied by the nice lingering bitter aftertaste, though.