A classic.

Truly magnificent, mahogany reddish colored pour with some great, light tan head. Fantastic lace.

Nose is the true malt bomb that it is expected to be. There’s also a decent alcohol whiff too.

The tastes reflect the nose, but also bring a ton of generic fruit to make the beer unbelievably drinkable. The mid-palate, finish and aftertaste bring waves of light, hoppy bitterness. The fruit and bitter ending are a heady combo that come together beautifully well, and offer a tremendously rich and full experience while the beer remains light and drinkable. Given the massive malt credentials of this beer, it’s a paradox that perhaps that the most memorable feature of the beer is the fruitiness, and the slightly bitter ending – that’s a really surprising takeaway.

Alcohol is there, builds and is a welcome feature.

I’ve always loved this beer and can’t believe that I didn’t have any formal notes on it until now. It’s unsurprising that it reminds me of a beer like Fuller’s Vintage Ale and similar given it’s malty, British roots.