George Gale Prize Old Ale Special Reserve

Aroma: 6 | Appearance: 9 | Mouthfeel: 4 | Flavor: 7 | Overall: 8

Pours a murky brown body with absolutely no carbonation. Completely flat without the slightest trace of head. The alcohol burns spicy in the sinuses, followed by dried fruit like raisins and apricots. A good bit of caramel. The flavor is sweet, but a little on the thin side until it warms a lot. I get an interesting bit of toasted pecans in the end that is quite pleasant. The stillness is a bit annoying in the mouthfeel, though. Sweet caramel and nuts.

Aroma: 4 | Appearance: 8 | Mouthfeel: 6 | Flavor: 6 | Overall: 6

Poured a murky brown color with no head or lacing. Aroma of vanilla, caramel, apples, spices, and nuts. Taste of spruce, caramel malts, citrus fruits, some cardboard, and sharp alcohol.

Aroma: 7 | Appearance: 8 | Mouthfeel: 7 | Flavor: 9 | Overall: 8

2003 bottle reads: "Matured in Estate E. Dupont Normandie, France Calvados casks for 7 months in 2003." The stinkin' bottle was impossible to open, as the cork broke all up multiple times. Managed to save the beer w/ only one little cork crumb floating on top after about 10-15 mins of work. The color is cloudy, muddy brown with no head. The aroma is sharp and vinous, lots of alcohol that ain't hiding. The flavor is sharply vinous, somewhat cider like, raisins, oak, and again alcohol. Did I mention alcohol? Like an excellent wine (although I wouldn't know one). This one definitely talks to you and finishes with a slightly acidic mouthfeel, moderate to heavy body. Very different from Old Peculiar.