I was going to save my 1997 vintage bottle of this beer a bit longer, but the rave reviews I'd heard about it wouldn't allow that: I had to sample this beer tonight. Spices are definitely evident here, the nose is reminiscent of pipe tobacco and mince pie. It's definitely interesting, sourness and spice are dominant in the palate, fruit cake as well, more suggestions of pipe tobacco, an herbal earthiness, this is definitely a digression from your typical barleywine but all the more interesting for it. After a year this beer is still incredible, and finishes with a medicinal, warming 8% alcohol by volume kick. I'd love to try it fresh, this is truly a special brew.