Fulton The Libertine Imperial Red Ale

Drinking my first Fulton growler, a Libertine, Imperial Red Ale, 8.5 % ABV,bought at the brewery this Saturday,  and looking back at notes from about a year ago, from having it on tap elsewhere. Notes follow thusly:

 In the brewery's words: "A libertine is someone living free of society's restraints. Similarly, The Libertine doesn't constrain itself with preconceived notions of what a beer style should be. Loaded with malts that include the UK's premium Maris Otter and Caramel 60, and topped off with Rye to impart a distinct reddish hue, the Libertine is a malt-dominated red ale like none you've ever had before. It boasts a rich, indulgent body without being overly sweet. Conventional classifications fail The Libertine, but who really wants to play by the rules anyway?"

8.5%

45 IBU 20.2 Plato 24 SRM

In my words...

Hazed, rich, reddish hue, ruddy auburn, under a tight, lasting creamy toned beige head of foam, leaving lace. 

Aroma: Sweetness, spice, and fusel alcohol. Rich and boozy, apples and cherries, brandy and leather.

Taste: medium bodied, and fully flavored. Lush and indulgent, waves of hops, spice, with rich malt holding tight below. 

(Disclaimer: I wrote the above without having read the copy I pasted up on top. I say this having realized I repeated some of their words, i.e." indulgent")

But that's what it is, tight and tasty, but deep, lush and delicious. Spreads it's splendor far and wide and urges further imbibings. Warming alcohol hits the spot as winter hits us harder. Expert balance.