BTN: RodenbachGC, Tom Hardy's, Bigfoot, Traquair

The Rodenbach Grand Cru seems a bit lackluster this time. I haven't had this beer in quite a while, so I'm wondering if there has been a stylistic change recently or did I just get a bit lackluster bottle. This had all that Musar-like funk on the nose, but it was rather sweeter than I remember and not as wild. It seemed like a watered down and tamed version of what I remember. It's still a very nice beer, but I do hope that my next bottles will be more like I remember this to have been (i.e. sparkling Musar). Rocks!

O'Hanlon's Thomas Hardy's Ale 2006 is a whopping 11.7% abv (but it doesn't show in any other way). It's only pétillant, not fully bubbly. It smells already almost like Port wine. It's rather sweet but seems to have truckloads of hops underneath all that maltiness since the finish is dry and savoury. Rocks!

-O-(Traquair tommorow if stocks last)

Traquair House Ale 7,2%abv

It looks dark, and it smells darker still. The nose is almost like that of a Porter in its roasted, malty notes. Yet it has delightful bitterness to it. Unfortunately I do find it a bit alcoholic (even when I chilled it more than recommended) and a bit candied - maybe I should just forget these in my cellar for a couple years as the best before date is 2016? Still, it does have great depth, and all the positive attributes far outweigh the few negative ones. Rocks!

Sierra Nevada Bigfoot Ale 2006 9,6%abv

Dude! This rocks! This is certainly very barleywiney in its figgy, herbal and rather portwine-like scents. Big, heavy palate yet delightfully hoppy which keeps the sweetness in check. It reminds me of Italian Bitters (like Cynar) in its sweet yet herbal and delicious bitterness. The crown cork had a 2006 stamped on it, so I assume this is a vintaged ale? Should I be keeping this as long as e.g. the Tom Hardy's '06? Firmly rocks!

Love that Thomas Hardy's ale! Before I got into wine, I experimented with aging TH ale. Had my last bottle at 10yrs after release and it was luxuriously creamy and complex.