Righto, went there today and the Sparkling Ale handpump was operating, but not the Stout one
. I had a pint of the sparkling, I think it was about $8... it is apparently aged, according to the the bartender, "in a wooden barrel".
Aroma - Didn't pick up much, mainly fruity, a bit tropical/pear-like
Appearance - REAL murky dark gold. First pour was with a big marshmallow head, but that died down and held about half a centimetre of creamy white head.
Flavour - Straight up I got banana and pear with some definite malt sweetness, followed by yeastiness/breadiness (I'm guessing that was the murk!) and a low-medium bitterness to finish. I did get a little grapeyness as it warmed a little (it was served a little cold for my liking, but wasn't "swill" cold). Sweetness and alcohol in the finish, sweetness is pretty cloying by the end.
Mouthfeel - Low carbonation as expected, no real lingering bitterness but definite alcohol warmth in the finish.
Not a bad drink overall, but I'd rather see them have aged Vintage Ale on the handpump along with the Stout. I think just a schooner of the Sparkling would've gone down better.