The drinker is greeted with a light chocolate aroma, followed by supporting fruitiness of apricots and peaches, a light herbal hop character, light spicy alcohol and a caramel, bready maltiness. The spicy alcohol character increases significantly in the flavor, but does allow a supporting cast of peaches, light chocolate, dried fruit and bready, nutty caramel malt characters to emerge. A low residual sweetness develops mid-palate and dries out in the finish with an assist from the alcohol and moderately high hop bitterness. It pours a nearly brilliant dark brown with ruby highlights with a tan head that seems to last forever. Grab a few to cellar, as the alcohol is a bit edgy right now, but it has all of the hallmarks of a terrific English-style Old Ale -- it just needs a little more time to continue developing its complexity.
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Private Stock Ale: 2016 Vintage
Description
Originally brewed in 2005 as Olde Ale, the inaugural beer in our annual Decadence Anniversary Ale series, this imperial English-style ale succinctly follows the brewing traditions of Old World England. Rich and malt-forward, this forceful yet elegant beer showcases soft notes of currants and dried fruit along with complex dark sugars, all of which are balanced by a subtle bitterness derived from the addition of English hops. Savor it now or age (for 20 years or more) and enjoy later, on its own or as part of a multi-vintage vertical tasting.
Judges Review
Aroma:
22 / 24
Appearance:
6 / 6
Flavor:
34 / 40
Mouthfeel:
8 / 10
Overall Impression:
16 / 20