Town Hall Anniversary Ale 2004

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

Served up via a growler, courtesy of Al, at this SD Strong Ale Festival weekend. And actually, had this Monday evening while watching Monday Night Football, so this growler came to me half-empty, and sampled a couple of days after first being opened. So, how will this beer rate in light of some rather arduous handling?

Quite well, me'thinks. Yes, a bit dead, carbonation-wise, true..., but still enough life to give this some gumption and some spritz in the mouthfeel, and some wispy lacing.

Rather "chewy" in the aroma, if that makes any sense. Definately emphasizes the Crystal maltiness of this beer, which fits for the intended style, IMO.

Slightly dry and astrigent in the mouthfeel, which may be due to something with the beer inherently -- or just an aftereffect of a less-than-pristine growler. Either way, certianly not an issue in this case.

And the flavor? No complaints there, either. Enough other malts to balance out the obvious heavy dosage of Crystal (60L?), to keep this from getting sticky and gooey and too-frickin'-sweet.

Overall, while not enough of a hop-profile to put this in the same league as it's quasi-inspiration (Sierra Nevada Celebration), I think it's a fine beer in it's own light. Recommended. Cheers to Al for the sample.... :)
//TB