7.8

Appearance - 8 | Aroma - 8 | Flavor - 7 | Texture - 8 | Overall - 8

2002 750mL bottle from Hopdog, consumed on 10/06/06
Large toasted-almond colored head hints that this could be in excellent condition. The head is stable, though fading to only half-a-finger in height. Light lacing. Maroon-amber body, with light old-leather-brown tints. Medium clarity, unfiltered et al from this dedicated brewer.
Cherries galore in the nose, combine with English toffee and a warm, slightly sweet nuttiness (almond/walnut paste). Dry chocolate slowly sweetnes as it warms, with dry fruity esters balancing the sweetness well. Strong aroma to boot, with no alcohol apparency and just layers of sumptuous malt. Some spicy tones are noted, as well as a bit of dry breadiness and just the faintest touch of dark fruits.
Very malty in flavor, it does not hint at the 4 years of age under its belt. No oxidation and seemingly fresh, vibrant, deep malts. Rich caramel, medium-dry toffee and crystal malt breadiness all put on quite a show. Fluid, substantial texture, with appropriate carbonation (medium to medium low, not loose). No alcohol noted in flavor. Some spiciness, be it phenols or hops, gives a perky edge to it, while the finish is redolent of old, dry, raisin-oatmeal cookies. Love the esters in the nose and the soothing mouthfeel works wonders. Bit on the sweet side, without tons of malt complexity, but soundly made.