'08 Kate the Great?

I recently was invited to a Kate vertical tasting. Between two guys, they had 06-11 with the double oak of 07, 09, 10 and 11. Of all of them, the double oaks stood out when fresh (10 and 11) and as for regular Kate, the 08 stood out most for me. I found that particular year loaded with chocolate. It seemed perfectly balanced between the fresher cocoa, burnt malt, touch of fruit and coffee profile and the flat, more sherried, fruit forward nature of the 06.

 

How was the 07?

 

I vaguely remember the 06 and 07, not because they weren't good but the 08 stood out quite a bit because of those chocolate notes. I think the 6 and 7 had more of the subdued, slightly oxidized fruit notes you would expect from a beer with so much age. I also remember not loving the 07 double oaked. I felt those were much better fresh.

 

Thanks

 

I've thought the '08 has been the best of the years I've had (08, 10, 11). I've found it to be less sugary sweet or cloying than later vintages, I also think it had a more upfront dark fruit aspect. Can't say for how well it's aged yet, haven't opened a bottle in awhile now.