Limited 2001 release not for faint-hearted as harsh 11.4% alcohol-smitten barleywine surge and opulent prune palate restricted to experienced drinkers. Blaring chocolate-caramel aromatics and sweet syrupy caramel swagger sway creme brulee illusion.

Straight-ahead moderate-bodied holiday ale lacks expectant seasonal spicing, instead prodding brown ale or weak barleywine comparisons. Lovely barley-roasted almond-hazelnut tautness scurries through ample brown chocolate-y sweetness. Impending phenol metallic drudgery nearly depletes casual vanilla, toffee, kettle corn, gingerbread, and Graham cracker illusions.

Irresistible mahogany-bodied bourbon-barrel aged ale brings smoked cedar aromatics to pertinent lactose chocolate malting and creamy cacao liqueur stickiness. Frothy nature increases as fudge-y center thickens, allowing sherry, port, and cherry puree notes to emerge above black licorice blotch.

Brewed with cinnamon, ginger, and orange, this well-seasoned ale scores points for brevity and originality. Spice-fueled adjuncts arouse lactic chocolate malts and impending plum-fig-cherry souring, but tangy orange flavor gets lost in wintry barleywine-sherry mix. Peculiar for starters, but top notch for seasoned pros.

Fitting coppery red ale celebrates ’96 commencement with expansive offering. Initial raisin-pecan-date affluence slips into mushy overripe peach, bruised orange, and strawberry-raspberry sanctuary underlined by casual roasted nuttiness. By brawny finish, sinewy molasses malting picks up cask-like rum, bourbon, and whiskey illusions.

Creamy plum-hued, tan-headed, mocha-scented Yorkshire ale exposes fruity Fuggle-hopped thrust to inescapable chocolate-covered raisin, port wine, and cherry puree illusions. Cedar-stained clove-anise-gingerbread add wintry spirit to burnt caramel prompt. Richer and sweeter than a red ale, with its countered dry oak finish increasing efficacy.