Vintage 2007 Pours mahogany with crimson hues and a half inch head of off-white. The humble layer of suds retreated quickly leaving barely a trace on the surface and zero lacework. Aromatics are malty, figgy, and caramel stuffed. Tropical fruit lay underneath a massive malt presence, and layers of toffee, wet leather, and nougat rise up as it warms. Very much in the English vein in the nose. Creamy, sticky and chewy mouthfeel. Substantial. Raisins, plump malt, chewy caramel, toffee and alcohol lead off the pallet. The throat warms as residuals and a firm bitterness linger and ripe fruit pulls through. Finishes with a blend of resinous pine, boozy alcohol, and leathery malt. This bottle at cellar temperature is superior to the draught version served fresh and cold. Not even close to peaking.

Amber-mahogany body and nice rocky medium-sized off-white head. Great earthy, nutty nose. Full-flavored, complex and rich. Nice lacing and wonderful balanced finish.

[bottle purchased 10/14/07] Sweet malt aroma, plenty of hop character. Somewhat hazy, reddish brown appearance with some decent lacing. Flavors are pretty straight up, tons of caramel malt sweetness, and some really nice English hop character. Alcohol is certainly there, but it doesn’t come off as overly hot. Really nice, overall.

(Draft @ brewpub)...Candy Land...Very dark amber, almost brown. Lightly hazy. One finger of biege head. Nose is fruity hoppiness with caramel and rock candy maltiness. Nice strong lacing. Mouthfeel is full and quite sticky. Taste is sweet and hot. Lots of candyish malt, like candy apple glaze. Not very complex but tasty, and oh did I mention, hot. Barkeep said this was about 3 months old. Probably close to Smuttynose Barleywine (although I ain’t had that one yet). Another sweet, hot, tasty offering from Portsmouth.