Updated notes 11/19/06

This gets better every time that I drink it. Even more smoothness than I remember, more rounded, more port like and sherry aftertastes, it gives me a warm glow inside. Delicious. Much darker pour that I remember in years past, and checking the review from a year ago that seems to be the case. Much better in 2006 and I have adjusted the scores accordingly. Really dark mahogony greets me this time. Lovely sweet malts in the nose. Less bitter too.

I have bumped up one or two of the scores to reflect my new found devotion to this old friend.

Original review 12/30/05

Now in brown bottles with an updated shape & label.

Quite a light orange pour with some chill haze, not a great head and not much lacing either. All of these traits improve as the temperature increases. The appearance is somewhat disappointing, but luckily things get better when I drink the beer.

Some toffee malts in the nose. A surprisingly dryish hop taste compliments the malt backbone nicely. I get some bread notes too, like some fruit bread of some description, maybe even some banana.

Good mouthfeel, and a nice IPA type, lingering finish. Some soft brown sugar adds to the “winter” feel, but this doesn’t have any spice character. Good body and a mild richness about the beer.