By Jeff Evans

Nose

Slick caramel and toffee from the malt and some boiled-sweet notes, contrasted by spicy hop resins.

Palate

Big, smooth, malty mouthfeel, with more caramel and toffee. The edge is taken off the initial sweetness by a sappy bite of hops, then alcohol pushes its way through in soft vapours. Light notes of orange and sugared almonds.

Finish

Dry and toffee-malty. Leafy hops develop bitterness, and nuttier malt characteristics come through, but sweetness lingers, along with oranges and dried fruits.

Comment

A very well-balanced and smooth barley wine, the brewery-conditioned brother of Fuller's bottle-conditioned Vintage Ale.