I'll join the thunderbirdesq birthday conga line with a post run High Life. Off to pay the rent at the bro's by mowing his lawn. Not going to miss doing that chore!
Its been 50 years since Thomas Hardy Ale made its debute.
This bottle/vintage, despite having no special reference or variance of label (like some of the other milestone years) was brewed on the 30th year. Drinking it now, at 20 years since bottling and its delightful.
Somewhat shocked and in disbelief in the lack of oxidation in this bottle. It is rich with caramel/molasses sweetness and has a mildly vinous alcohol character that builds in warmth with each sip.
Happy Birthday thunderbirdesq! It's also National IPA Day. I'm celebrating it with a Rum barrel aged Imperial IPA. It's all rum barrel by now and I'm almost certain that it was always rum barrel.