750mL growler filled...drum roll.....11/08/25, drunk 2/23/26. Well, due to circumstances beyond my control, I was not able to share this at a tasting with my group, and then I sort of just let it sit in my fridge, not knowing if I should try to hold it for another (I shouldn't have). Anyways, cutting my losses and drinking it now, for better or for worse.
Well it certainly doesn't smell old/oxidized or like the hops have departed significantly. Really lovely mix of soft, succulent malt and gentle breadiness with an almost juicy pear-like hop character. Slight floral notes, a bit of candied orange, slight acidity but no resin or overboiling. Clean, lightly fruity yeast. Very polished stuff.
Very rich and malty, as their beers seem to be. Really cool juicy pear character that you don't really find in IPAs. Fruity yeast and soft, fluffy, succulent malts showing gently toasted bread and honey. Light bitterness; I could see a fresher version allowing for a bit more to balance better, but then, perhaps this has cleaned up and attenuated some, with its age. Rich and satisfying with a lot of flavor. Quite unique.