RELEASE: November // THE ABV. 6.5% | IBU’s. 16 // THE NOSE: Brandy, Fresh Cherries, Salami, Pie Crust, Strawberry Sherbet, Maple Sugar // THE TASTE: Anise, Blackcurrant, Crème De Cassis, Ginger, Malted Milk Balls, Chili Pepper Flakes, Oak // THE BOTTOMLINE: A year in the bottle has changed the overall profile of this beer, tenfold. Tasted versus a fresh 2009 vintage, this 2008 is sour and astringent by comparison, possesses a rich underlying sweetness that gives it a dense baked dessert weight in the mouth. There is also a nice subtle cooked red fruit flavor not present in its younger 09 sibling. This matured bottle holds its own in the tastiness department with the 09 at almost every hurdle, almost... sadly it takes an unbecoming tumble down a jagged and bitter crevasse in the final furlong. This ale just wasn't built for aging. // THE BACKBONE: Ginger, Clove, All Spice, Cinnamon, Nutmeg // PRICE POINT: $7 | 1x 22oz bottle //