Shipyard Prelude Special Ale

This 6.7% ABV English-style winter warmer is from the Shipyard Brewing Company of Portland, Maine. Obviously I am getting to it late, but it says best before November 2013, so still in plenty of time. It is  brewed with four different malts and four different hops. 

The beer pours a very dark amber to dark chestnut brown with light ruby tints. There is a tall head of thick and creamy light brown foam. The aroma is malty, caramel, nut, fruity, plums and dark fruits, with a light herbal note. The taste follows the aromas, malty, toffee, nut, light hazelnut, fruity, caramel, with a sneaky bitterness and dry finish. It has a medium body, somewhat creamy, with a "just right" amount of carbonation. This is rich, elegant and delicious.