Side-by-side, this is lighter in color than the Thirsty Dog, and while it exhibits the same spice hints in the smell it also had a bit of a tart smell. That didn't come out in the flavor, which was more of a grassy caramel malt flavor reminiscent of Alaskan Amber or a Vienna Lager. I thought it was just a tiny bit limp, but better than the Thirsty Dog.