BB2003 bottle brought to the Post-Tap-Best-Western-Haverhill tasting, 3/25/05 by Muzzlehatch, shared with Tiggmtl, Muzzlehatch, Rastacouere and MartinT. Pours a very cloudy orange-amber, with some light blood-orange tinges and a small off-white head that sticks around for a minute and then is gone. Aroma is quite fruity, like fruit on the verge of spoiling. Lightly sour and lightly sweet mix of raspberries, cherries and strawberries, with a big dose of sweet toffee and a decent amount of roasted hazelnuts. Flavor is bittersweet, light fruits with a slightly chewy nuttiness, some figs, walnuts and raisins. Sticky caramel can be perceived, though the oxidation has loosened up the body a good deal. Low bitterness, no hops apparency and a good deal of yeast on the finish. Carbonation is still apparent and gives a little zip on the end. Fine, peppery bubbles and a medium body, with a good deal of oxidation, as mentioned. Peaches, toffee, nuts and a bit of acidity. I enjoyed this one, but I also am not bothered by oxidized, old, yeasty beers. I bet I would have really loved it a year or so ago. Thanks Barry!

Dark copper coloured with rich head. Smokey arma. Medium bodied and sweet, slightly nutty and a bit salty. Medium bitterness.