Riggwelter - Black Sheep Brewery

Today, I have an English ale from the Black Sheep Brewery.  Riggwelter has 5.7% ABV, and features a seemingly deceased sheep on its label

Pours a very nice dark chesnut colour; quite clear and produces a tan coloured head.  Doesn't stick around too long, but offers some lacing

The nose offers up a complex mix of roasted malts - very sweet - with hints of chocolate, cherries, vanilla and alcohol

Taste is pleasant enough:  Plenty of roasted malt flavour which develops into sweet toffee and chocolate.  Mid-palate gives definite nuts with cherries, vanilla and sweet port-wine.  Finishes with pine hops and a mildy bitter linger, and the roasted flavours stick around for a while as well.  The alcohol level is just right and brings out the flavours nicely

The mouthfeel is full-bodied, warming and smooth.  However, it's slightly let down by the high level of carbonation and moderate/high level of astringency.

Overall, this is an enjoyable ale with some decent flavours and feels well balanced.