Fullers Vintage Ale 1999

The bottle has held up very well. Interesting that the bottle says best before the end of 2002. The aroma does have a little cellar and mold to it, but sweet alcohol is the dominant pickup. Very much like a top notch barley wine where the heavy malt is highly refined with oak, caramel, and various light fruits.

So a warning, this bottle probably was not stored in the best conditions. Poured a dark ruby brown color. The age was showing at first pour. Aroma is British fruity yeast and old (good amount of aged cardboard). The combination is not a "spice" but comes of spicy if that makes sense. A British malt sweetness in there as well. Taste has some age evaporation going on as is common with older beers, just light here. Some of the cardboard is gone and it turns into a lightly sweet and lightly watery flavor. A bit too light now. If you have a better kept bottle go for it but otherwise may not be too interesting.

Bottle generously shared by beastiefan2k. Pours a cloudy bourbon brown with a thin beige head and nice lacing. The nose is a solid, oxidized, sweet malt (cardboard) with light fruit and alcohol notes. Light to medium-bodied and slightly grainy with a very dry finish. Round, malty brown sugar and dark spice with a dry finish. A bit past its prime, I can see that this was a great beer once, but it’s dropped off a bit at this point. Thanks again for sharing it with us, Eugene.

1pt, 2.6oz bottle, #71510, with a big thank you to beastiefan2k for busting this rarity out! Pours a hazy reddish amber with a chunky tan head with some larger bubbles as well. Aroma is more alcoholic on the nose, with a cognac like quality, lots of malts, a slight mustiness. Flavor is actually a bit more watery than expected, which is very surprising, but there are still gliimpses of cognac, english malts and must along with some sweetness. Interesting, but seems a slight bit past it’s prime as the flavor can’t quite keep up with the aroma. Very much appreciate the chance to try this Eugene, thank you!

Pours a murky amber with a healthy white head. Aroma features a heady complex mix of stone fruit, particularly apricot, orange fruit, nutty chewy malt, barley sugar and a hint of fortified wine. On the palate there is a velvety smooth mouthfeel, nutty rich malt, reminiscent of Tom Hardy’s, dry barley sugar, orange fruit, a hint of warm Xmas cake spice all leading to an incredibly rounded smooth finish. Knock out beer!