UPDATED: JAN 9, 2022 500 ml bottle in cardboard box, from Vinmonopolet, Nettbutikken. Bottle No. 054614. ABV is 8.5%. Reddish brown colour, moderate off-white head. Distinct aroma of raisins and other dark dried fruits, hints of orange marmalade and cognac. Medium sweet flavour with the same elements as the aroma, also noticeable bittering hops, hints of bitter oranges. Good now, but will also handle a few years of cellaring.

UPDATED: JAN 8, 2022 Uklar mahogny med beige skum som daler sakte og legger seg som ett slør. Aroma malt blomster sviske. Smak malt sukker noe frukt karamell lys sjokolade gjær. Saftig øl med fin fylde og sødme, lag søtlig ettersmak. Ren magi. Flaske kjøpt på Vinmonopolet Jekta

UPDATED: JAN 6, 2022 Aroma; herbal swirl, roasted malts, jam, flowers, soil, nut oil, and becomes better while warming up. Look; dense stable pale tan head on veiled reddish mahogany body. Scattered and crocheted lacing. Taste; herbal oils, roasted malts, fermented jam, flowers, hops, nut oil, whisky, spicy toffee, syrupy caramel, and finish is lingering and balanced with a hint of warmth. Feel; good body and gentle co². Overall; classic brew. [poured from embossed 50cl bottle 056626, Vinmonopolet, T@my chaos cave].

UPDATED: JAN 5, 2022 Bottled from Systembolaget Deep, clear amber with a large head. Sweet and vinous with fruity fudge. Low bitterness.

UPDATED: JAN 3, 2022 Bottle from Waitrose. Clear amber body with a thick off-white head. Low carbonation. Faint lacing. Aroma of Dr Pepper, rust, brown sugar and toffee. Flavour of raisin, plum and prune. Medium to full body with a smooth mouthfeel. Soft fizz. A fantastic beer - sweet and rich. This would be a good beer to age. I wish this hadn’t been the last bottle on the shelf.

UPDATED: JAN 3, 2022 2 finger light beige head. Dissipates and stays at 1 finger. Slight lacing here and there. Clear but deep ruby coloured beer. Aroma of butterscotch, milk chocolate, raisins, bourbon and cognac barrel. Absolutely stunning. Taste of the same with way more astringent, ashy tobacco (not the best complement to the flavour profile) and more vinous qualities. Missing depth that will most likely come with aging but still great today. Mouthfeel is velvety, pillowy soft. Medium-low bitterness. Low carbonation. Very drinkable. Lightly sticky. Lightly oily. Sips beautifully. Overall: A great vintage. I've much love for Fuller's yet I've neglected this beer for a few years. Won't anymore! This almost gets everything right for the style and proves why I love a good Strong Ale.

UPDATED: JAN 2, 2022 Bottle 017580, very pleasant to the eye (caramel colour), dried/candied fruit aromas, smooth ending with hints of cognac/whisk(e)y. Very enjoyable for Christmas

UPDATED: JAN 2, 2022 500ml bottle from Alko. Bottle #59630. Poured mahogany in color. Thin white head. Sherry notes, dark fruity aroma. Sweet dark fruity flavors. Mild wood, raisins. Not that complex yet.

UPDATED: JAN 1, 2022 500ml bottle, No 018865, bought at Vinmonopolet Langnes. Good looking in the glass with crocheted lacing from a stable off-white head over a clear mahogany coloured body. Inviting aromas of earthy malts, biscuit, and dried fruit. Well blended taste character of caramel, ripe orange, and raisin. Lingering and smooth ending of earthy malts and dried fruits. Well bodied. Enjoying sipper on the last day of the year. (Tromsø 31.12.2021).

UPDATED: DEC 31, 2021 Smell of plums, sweet malt. Cognac colour, beige head. Aroma of caramel malt, dried fruit, plums, liqueur candy. Sweet. Lively carbon.