Bottled November 2003, sampled May 2004. The bottle from 2003 listed an ABV of 4.25% Needless to say, I was quite worried as to whether such a low gravity beer could have made it 6 months on a warm, well-lit store’s shelves. To my delight, the beer was bottle conditioned and had ample yeast floating around, as well as a thick ring around the bottom. Upon opening, it had a wonderful, deep herb-like hops smell. I really enjoy tettnangs, so that was a big surprise. The hops aroma was complemented by moderately sweet english toffee notes and a bit of a kick from the yeast. Pouring revealed a golden-amber, quite bright and clouded, with some warmer bright red hues and a big, creamy off-white head. Plenty of lacing. Upon drinking, I was impressed with the mix of hops and malt. Neither too dry, not too sweet, this beer seemed to have integrated everything in a perfect balance during its 6 month warm rest. Spiciness from the hops, and a nutty almost chewy malt flavor as well. A touch of vanilla, more herbal qualities and a very crisp yeast/hops finish. Body was medium, and for a beer of such low gravity, that was impressive. No thinning. Low carbonation, lots of chewy toffee as it warmed on the finish and almost a butter-cream sweetness as well. This was truly a gem and one that blew my expectations to pieces. To be constructive, it did begin to get a bit too heavy on the cream-like sweetness as it finished and I had my second one. There was a bit too much carbonation upon first opening (but to be expected).