22 oz, black waxed affair (as Abyss).
Pour is a superb looking, garnet color with some tremendous clarity. Head is small, leaves little lace but is a pleasing tea hue. Attractive.
Nose has a rich, sugary, molasses light liquor note that is replicated in the taste t a n extent, but the beer feels a little thinner than the nose suggests.
The tastes offer a touch more alcohol than the nose, plus some mild hop character.
This beer reminds me a lot of Fuller’s Vintage Ale, except it seems to have a little less body, is a little less rich, has bit more alcohol and more hop notes! Sounds like a lot of differences, but when taken together it DOES remind me of the “great one”. The beer drinks much more like an English beer (with notes of English Barleywines and English Old Ales).
There’s a noticeable vinous character (obviously) from the Pinot Noir, and it builds as the beer warms. The vinous character is warming in the chest too, and it gives a really pleasant overall feel to the beer.
Jubel 2010 is what I imagine a beer like Stone’s Arrogant Bastard would be, if it went to live in England for a couple of years, learned some manners and etiquette and then came back to the USA to show-off it’s more refined training! Pretty tasty stuff and delighted to have had the chance to try this beer.