A soft sweetness blossoms on the nose and the initial sip of this Californian winter seasonal. Sweetness dissipating, the ale quickly opens up to reveal its dark malty and burnt leaf laden biceps, the warming and bitter intensity building like the exciting trundle to top of a tall roller coaster. The brews last word is stolen by its fresh and satisfyingly hoppy tiger tail. This beer is an 'absolute' in the realm of modern winter ales and this 2009 vintage is no exception.