2007 vintage (I think). 22oz bottle as part of a trade with BA… Thanks. Shared with a few of the usual suspects at The Brick Store.
Nice, clouded ornage pour with a smallish, bubbly, light head. Not much head to speak of but it does leave a very nice sticky lace on the glass. Considering the ABV it’s a pretty good looking effort.
Nice combo of sweet sugars, alcohol and hops in the nose. As expected.
Alcohol is not really HUGELY upfront but it still seems a little hot. To be honest I think this is simply a function of the style rather than the particular beer. In fact, on reflection, although not as sweet as an English BW, this drinks quite a lot more like the English version rather than the often, overly hoppy American version of the style. in that respect I quite like it. Certainly compared to the Vermonster (consumed in the same tasting) it is nowhere near as hoppy. Obviously a little slick in the mouth but that’s to be expected.
Drinkability is pretty good for the style and the ABV, but it’s never gonna beer an easy beer to get down in any quantity or with any extreme ease.