2003 bomber consumed on 10/6/06. I ordered this bottle from Liquid Solutions in 2003 and have kept it in my possession since.
Oddly enough, this one delivered a fair amount of enamel-colored head that faded to partial-cover, leaving no lacing behind. The body is a dark amber with some chestnut highlights and a bit of copper thrown in when held to the light.
Heavy, heavy oxidation in the nose. Behind that is a plethora of hard crystal malt, crunchy toasted malt and some soft vanilla. But the oxidation is more cardboard-like than not and very disconcerting. Some sweet plums emerge on the finish, after warming, but it’s somewhat sickening and not at all cohesive with the beer. Alcohol is soft, but builds on the nose steadily. Light raisins and dried cherries are present as well. But I keep getting brought back to the oxidation.
Heavily oxidized flavor is even more dominated by cardboard than the aroma. The mouthfeel, further, is lean, seemingly filtered and just dosent have the residual sweetness that an old ale should have to go the distance. Light berries, figs and some chocolate covered coffee beans. Gets thin, grainy/crunchy/bready on the finish. Can’t finish it. Alcohol is definitely notable and combined with the oxidation, ruins the experience.
Not sure what went wrong here. Looks like Csbosox’ bottle of the same age was in fine condition. I even waxed the cap to ward off oxidation. That’s the risk of aging, I guess, as I certainly kept this bottle in prime conditions. Oh well, I’ll try it again another time.