One
pint, 0.9 ounce bottle poured into a tulip.
8.5% ABV. 2013 offering. Stored and served at 55F. Limited edition number “104318”. Came in a box. Super-fancy.
Appearance:
The body is a hazy copper that is crowned with a thin ring of foam. There are also couple apologetic bubble
islands floating across the center of the glass, but they are slowly fading
away (4/5).
Aroma: The first thing that jumps out at me is the
alcohol, which I find a little odd at only 8.5% ABV. Figs and stone fruit and raisins and all that,
but damn the alcohol really wants its presence known. OK… I see you, alcohol. Relax (3/5).
Taste: Very thin and one dimensional. It comes across quickly like a boozy wine,
but all of that disappears very quickly like some weird magic trick. A little caramel and prunes. Definitely oxidized, but I’m not sure this
has contributed to an interesting aging characteristic. I dunno.
I wish there was more to say, but there really isn’t (2/5).
Mouthfeel: Light body, light carbonation (2.5/5).
Overall: On the back of the bottle the brew master
states that this beer is best enjoyed before December 31st of
2023. I’ve been sitting on this one for
about three years (and I promise it’s been well taken care of). I’m not sure what’s supposed to happen in the
next six, but I don’t feel like I popped it open too early. It’s only going to get more oxidized and thin
from here, so 2023 seems like a strange number to throw out there. I understand that this is supposed to be one
of the classic examples of the style, so I’m not sure what I’m missing
here. I’ve had way better Old Ales at a
third of the price (2.5/5).
-Matt
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