AleSmith - Decadence Anniversary Ale (2010)

Decadence was first released in 2005 to celebrate our 10 year anniversary. AleSmith has released a new version of Decadence each year around our anniversary date in late fall. The style chosen each year is different, but you can be sure that it will always fit the description of Decadence!

The 2010 and 2005 versions have the same recipe. In 2010 we return to the style that was chosen for the very first AleSmith Decadence®, an English-style Old Ale. Abundant malty flavors and the perfect balance of English hops define this classic style. Four specialty yeast strains and the use of tradition brewing sugars create a rich and tasty flavor profile. AleSmith Decadence pleases and tantalizes the palate in a way that has become the hallmark of AleSmith’s premium ales.

2005 an English Old Ale
2006 an American Strong Ale
2007 an Imperial Porter
2008 an Imperial English Barleywine
2009 a Weizen Bock
2010 an English Style Old Ale (this review)

2011 a Maple Smoked Barleywine

2012 a Quadrupel

The ABV is 11.0 and the IBU rating is ??
Style -English Style Old Ale
Glass to use - Snifter, Tulip or Oversized Wine Glass
Delivery 750ml Bottle

Can be cellared for long periods, under the proper conditions.

The Pour - Pours a brown color with a small tan head. Great lacing.
Aroma - Filled the room with the essence of dark fruit and chocolate.

Taste - Malty, dark fruits (cherries), hints of dark chocolate, caramel and a slight hint of leather.  
Mouth Feel - Light carbonated and a full body.
Drinkable - Gets better as is warms up.  The dark fruits come out strong as the brew warms to near room temperature.  A decent English Barleywine.  Would have been nice to have a vertical session with a fresh bottle of the 2010 and an aged bottle of the 2005.

This beer pair well with cheese and desserts.

This beer gets a Duper rating of B
BeerAdvocate Rating = 90
Ratebeer Rating = 98