This ale smells malty and rich right from the beginning. It has a moderate melanoidin and breadcrust character, with an aroma that resembles both freshly milled base malt and a bag of almonds. The aroma remains fresh and rich even after the beer warms. Its clear, reddish-amber body carries a very low off-white head that does not rouse. This beer's flavor is quite different from the aroma, tasting primarily of earthy hops and wood with a dull malty backbone. It finishes dry with low tannins, accentuated by moderate bitterness and low carbonation. Although this beer gets off to a great start, its flavor is not assisted by the specialty character.