Bottle from LarryPitonka, drunk on 9/22/07, thanks André!
This one came out of my cellar, and I still have one remaining that has been kept refrigerated. I should have tried them side-by-side, that was kind of stupid not to, in retrospect. Anyways, a small head by this point, beige in color, sits atop a dark brown head with a good deal of deep auburn tints. Clear, with lazy bubbles rising and light lacing. Retention is moderate.
Chocolate and spices (anise, black pepper) and delicately roasted malts collect on the finish, as a vast array of time-worn esters sit on the front (cherries, plums, raspberries, strawberries). A dusty layer of age hangs over it, but it shakes it off pretty well, after breathing for some time. Malts are very dry and crackery, with minimal sweetness overall, though decidedly enough to keep the spicey notes submerged (and it’s strange that it tastes this spicy if no actual spices were used). Medium to medium-high strength of aroma, with some vanilla hints emerging on the end. Very earthy/crusty and with dry hazelnut and anise showing most strongly. Seems this was quite the masterpiece when young and not so dried out/dulled by age.
Bready caramel malts and light oxidation give a false sense of body, when actually the beer is heavily attenuated at this point, and even more dry when the spices and roastiness sets in. But it’s very clean, not overspiced and with very interesting malts that give hints of fruit and wood, in addition to crackers and bread. Obviously lacking in the supple texture of a fresh beer, but there’s no doubt it was there. No alcohol notes, definitely flawless. Jubel ale has always been a great brew and even age can not dull how special this vintage was. Can’t wait to try the bottle that’s been refrigerated.

Bottle Pours a deep redish amber that is slightly cloudy, with a modest lt. tan head and slight but even lacing. Aroma is heavenly. Unlike anything I have ever experienced. Kind of like a sweet porter. A little smoke, a little brown sugar, caramel, and something else. The flavor is consistant. Smokey and sweet, apple-butter maybe? Finish is smootth and only then does a hint of hops sneek through. Delicious. I found a good deal on this and bought several before I had even tasted it. Glad I did.

Pours out looking like swamp water and it definitely a turnoff till the complex molasses, liquorice, pruney, cassis, maple syrup bouquet hits your nose and then you know this is as good as an English Ale gets. The mouth if full bodied, mildly sticky and alcoholic with heavy flavours of liquorice, anisette, wood and Christmas cake drenched in rum dancing around your mouth. All ending long and lingering like a fine cigar. AWESOME!