Troegs Rugged Trail Ale (Brown Ale)

[theincumbent]

Just tasted the Troegs RTA in a sampler pack with their pale ale, hopback amber, and bavarian lager.

They are based out of Harrisburg, PA.

I am a bit concerned that either I completely misunderstood, or got a bad batch of, brown ale.

The ONLY flavors I got out of this ale were a cigarette smoke roasted(?) flavor and a nearly astringent medicinal type flavor. I can't place the latter, but maybe someone could help me on defining it. It was so powerful it made me toss the glass halfway through.

Is this typical of browns? Did I get a bad batch? Maybe just a bad example of the style?

My only other experience is with Newcastle Brown, which I like very much.

Thanks!

James

[threecb]

This is what the Troegs site describes the beer as:

Tröegs Rugged Trail Ale is a unique rendition of a classic English Brown. It has a deep bronze color, rocky head, and prominent Fuggle hop aroma. Toasted amber and Chocolate malts impart a "Nutty" richness and creamy velvet texture.

I've not had the RTA, but the rest of their beers are darn good. Is there a date code on the bottle?

AFA Newcastle -- I would think that this beer would be way different than that...