Unsure of the age on the bottle, but I drank it on 7/11/07. Obviously 2004 or earlier. Bonus from Stoutlover72, I believe. Thanks!
Didnt realize this stuff was old when I had it, and I sure as hell couldnt tell. A triumphant tan head tops a clear, auburn-mahogany body. Retention and lacing are moderate to strong.
No sign of oxidation or alcohol or anything particularly undesirable in the nose. Still fresh and nutty, with hazelnuts, brown sugar, light melanoidins and a touch of soft smokiness all producing a grand complexity. Oily tobacco notes pepper the finish and some sweet toffee emerges with warming, further developing the complexity and giving more depth to the malts. No flaws.
I definitely sensed it in the nose, and it’s even more obvious in the flavor, but this isnt a typical scotch ale. More a mix of a brown ale, scotch ale and stout, with much more roastiness than you’d find in a scotch ale, sweeter chocolate and caramel malts and lacking the strong breadiness and melanoidin-like dryness on the finish. Alcohol is never felt, texture is smooth, not really creamy but not oily or hard either. Still ample carbonation creating a strong drinkability. A bit of nutttiness/blandness creeps in on the finish, but its minimal. Impressive for its age.

Bottle. Deep mahogony color with no head. Sweet malt aroma. Malt flavors with toffee, brown sugar, slight spiciness, a little fruit and a hint of bitterness. Good overall mouthfeel - nice and full. A little alcohol warming at the end, but otherwise hidden nicely.