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Sampled December 2007
A vigorous pour produces a fat, one-finger thick, amber tinged tan colored head. The beer sits in my glass a dark amber hued, brown color, but shows an almost brilliantly clear, cranberry color when held up to the light. The carbonation is visually slight, with only a few lonely bubbles working there way through the glass at a time. The aroma has quite a dusty malt character to it, with lots of toasted grain notes and browned artisanal bread crust aromatics. It still has a sweet smelling character to it, which definitely accentuates fruit notes of berries and perhaps some raisin like aromas. The hot alcohol that was in this beer when I first had it seems to have toned down significantly as it just plays a role in the background; it produces some aromatics notes that make me think of molasses rum. The aroma has a bit too much of a grain husk like sharpness to it, but it still has vastly improved.

Sweet and viscous feeling, this beer definitely has a creamy mouthfeel to it. The slight carbonation adds just a touch of a sparkle towards the finish. Dark, toasted malt flavors play a big role here; sharp, roast grain husk notes, toasted bread flavors, something that almost seems wood like at times. This is still a bit hot in the finish, the alcohol definitely supplies ample warming character here, which isn't actually all that bad on this uncharacteristically cold, AZ night. Slightly fruity, though not as much as the aroma would have suggested, flavors of raisins, a touch of berry notes and at times a hint of cherry. These notes are joined by complimentary flavors reminiscent of toffee, a hint of vanilla and molasses. The alcohol, along with the fruit notes provides something like the finish of a brandy. A solid, yet initially unnoticed because of all of the malt sweetness, bitterness is found in the finish, it lingers a bit and slowly wins out over the malt sugars. Most definitely a chewy, sipping beer; thick and rich, a beer to be savored slowly over an evening in front of the fire.

This has definitely vastly improved ; initially it was something I would only just want to drink a full glass of. It still has a ways to go though, and I still think that it will improve for at least another year, if not even significantly longer. The beer still needs to soften up a bit, and a bit of oxidation should add some needed complexity.

Served In: Pint Glass

Thanks to Westside Threat for this bottle which has been sitting in my cellar for quite a while. In his words...into the oversized Reidel snifter it goes. Nice sheets of lacing form while I am drinking this one.

A - Pour produces a thick looking vibrant toffee colored head made up of varying sized bubbles. Stays around for a bit, then fades into a thick bead around the glass and foam floating around the surface. Body is a brilliantly clean garnet color.

S - Oh lord, this smells good. Lots of roasted, slightly singed caramel. Brown sugar and toffee. There is some ripe fruit in here too, maybe plums and figs. Touches of coconut and vanilla. Alcohol is smooth and well hidden.

T - Where to start? Actually starts right off with some bitterness that is surprisingly present given the age on this brew. Deep burnt caramel flavors come in and hold for a second. Toffee envelopes the tongue and brings along some brown sugar sweetness. This middle and the back of the tongue are treated with a deep vanilla bean treatment. Smooth alcohol vapors hit the sides of the tongue and the roof of my mouth. Deeper brown sugar finishes this off with some more sweetness. Even with all the rich, sweet flavors, this doesn't get cloying or tiresome in the least.

M - Full bodied. Thick on the palate. Carbonation is still here and smooth.

Overall - I expected a lot from this beer and it surpassed my lofty expectations. AleSmith continues to amaze me with most of what they do. Very complex and rich in flavor you could sip on this one for hours, yet it is surprisingly drinkable for a high alcohol brew. I don't know how this tasted fresh, but I have to think that time in the cellar has done this beer well. It could probably stand some more time, but I am not sure how much it could really improved. A masterpiece.

Served In: Snifter