Today was a dark, dismal, rainy, day. I had to take my vehicle in to a mechanic to discover that it won't cost as a much as I dreaded, but still was going to have a hefty price tag. I was grumpy at work and tired. Couldn't wait to get home and get into a beer or two. After yesterday's dissapointment I was hoping for something a little better, and I got it. A respectable cream colored head that wasn't in a hurry to leave the party and stayed right till the end. Visually appealing with a gorgeous copper red. The aromas were a very pleasant toasted caramel, with very mild hints of nut, chocolate, and earthy dried fruit. I admit that I sat sniffing it much longer than would be appropriate in public. The hops were present but also quite mild and added grassiness and bit of a floral touch. The flavours are a little soft for an Irish, but it doesn't take away from the beer at all. The caramel and hops both come.forward at the same time and work well together. The hops a bit floral and providing a nice bitterness and the caramel bring a sweetness. The nutty flavour come through nicely too. A nice brew indeed.