Released September ’05, this 7.8% alcohol specialty features a soft ‘n fuzzy lemon meringue theme abetted by peach-nectarine-orange tang. Sturdy cracked wheat spine gains honeyed nut illusion. Liquor-stained aftertaste embitters over time.

Dull rust-clouded witchy brew (check cool label) with hovering sediment brings aromatic floral yeast surge and maize-dried alcohol astringency to askew sugar-spiced finish at expense of blanched cherry-apricot-quince tartness. Cinnamon, coriander, and clove nuances pushed way back due to unwanted diacetyl buttering. Lacks depth of better Belgian strong ales (though posing as less illustrious amber ale).

Coppery strong ale layers sour honeyed malts above perfumed orange-peeled lemon rind bitterness. Green raisin illusion lingers below sweet wheat base. Spicier hop pep and sulfuric nose only true contrasts from Boreale Blonde.

Serviceable moderate-bodied amber-cleared Belgian-styled strong ale (a.k.a. Biere de Garde) retains bruised banana sweetness above lemon-wedged herbal-tinged cinnamon-clove spicing. By ambiguous finish, buttery Chardonnay notes trickle through.

Complex brown-bodied Belgian-styled ale with appreciative cherry rose’ nose and strong raisin-prune influence settles to strong cognac finish after sugared malt goo, plum-date luster, and floral aspect underscore black chocolate midst.

Ambitious slow sipping boubon-sherry-like offshoot adds oak chips to sterling Arrogant recipe. As thickly cascading tan head settles above cloudy rust-orange body, sharply alcoholic fruity waft surges. Chewy vanilla-butterscotch creaminess thickens syrupy peach-cherry sinew, correlative tangerine-mango-melon tang, and impending spruce sweetness. At midst, red apple ripeness, purple grape twang, and sun-dried raisin tinge counter ethereal floral-hopped bittering. As bottle empties, bruised orange-grapefruit notes gush forward, adding further complexity.

Lofty 6.5% alcohol advertised on clear bottle sufficient enough to garner attention from veteran ale heads. Deep orange hue, rich frothy head and active bready yeast aroma provide initial impression for peculiar caramel-buttered sugared malt sweetness perforating bitter hop finish.

Explosively carbonated roasted hop bitterness detailed by sedimentary-grained chocolate nuttiness typifying regal English strong ale posing as mild winter warmer. At midst, porter-like mocha creaminess bolsters candied apple, toffee, and cherry sweetness to honey-spiced cocoa finish.

Boundless honeyed malt terrain surrounds hop-fueled bitterness embedding zesty dark fruitiness to musty finish, but so-called Special Ale proves too predictable.

Rich barley overtones, creamy caramel malting and banana-nut breading moderate buttery frontage before bittersweet musty fruit finish consumes enjoyable foamy-headed dry English ale.

Surging tar-coal-tobacco chew acerbity imbues heartily bitter walnut-hued ‘strong American Ale,’ deepening hop-charred smoked wood buttress ’til clean spring water finish prevails. Resinous black chocolate, licorice, and fig add soured resilience.

Distinct sourdough aroma, dry Scotch mouthfeel, and back-throated floral-spiced accents ransack candi-sugared Belgian yeast essence of silken gold-hazed strong ale. Better fruited sweetness (pineapple-cantaloupe-melon) than sharp cider bite, with citric-soured hop sop subduing white-peppered nuance. It’s got some kick.