Reviewing this particular bottle of the 2005 vintage in July 2006, with the best part of year of aging behind it.

OK, there’s not doubt that we’ve lost a lot of the hops in that time, but my, what a great beer we’ve gained! The malts have obviously come to the fore as one would expect, but the sweetness and the sharpness have been maintained and raised.

Pours with a HUGE frothy, red head that is so dense and sweet it reminds me of a beer milkshake. Underneath that, the beer has maintained its great, garnet color and the appearance is excellent.

This has become so malty, we might even rename it a Big Malty Monster – a REAL change over time.