The Bar Towel

Just opened a 2004. Seems to be relatively well balanced. In fact I enjoyed it a lot. Maybe aging does help.

Manul wrote:Just opened a 2004. Seems to be relatively well balanced. In fact I enjoyed it a lot. Maybe aging does help.

These beers are designed to be aged. Like wines some are ready to drink now others don't reach their peak until years after bottling. Too many people seem to think it should blow their socks off without any cellaring.

Like you Manul I have several different years of the stuff and it does age VERY well.

pootz wrote:

Belgian wrote:If alcohol tastes overpowering, cooling a beverage down may help.

It was chilled to about 45deg.F...it is just a young ale that needs some time.

Ahh okay... well I didn't find it too harsh really - just a different palate talking here. Speaking of my palate, it seems to change year to year as well (Belhaven Wee Heavy, Okocim Porter I like far better than last time round.)

No, it seems that Okocim Porter changed , its less sweet , back in past was almost borderline cloying , this edition is best so far.

Belgian wrote:
Ahh okay... well I didn't find it too harsh really - just a different palate talking here. Speaking of my palate, it seems to change year to year as well (Belhaven Wee Heavy, Okocim Porter I like far better than last time round.)

Alcohol burn is alcohol burn you must have a palate that is tuned to Martinis

Fuller's Vintage changes every year...each year it is a slightly different formilation and taste ( see the card they supply for tasting notes on past vintages)..this year by comparison with previous year's does not hide its alcohol all that well. I have 3 previopus years cellared to compare it with but that would be moot as they have had cellar time and this ale is young.

If you like it now wen it's young you'll love it in a year or 2