Vintage 2004... Had been saving this one bottle for a mini-vertical when Full Sail released a new batch. I didn’t figure it would be four years! Pours opaque black with a one-inch head of dark tan foam. The frothy head subsided quickly, leaving a few traces of dotted lacework. Aromatics are amazingly vineous. A smokey chocolate base, with a winelike, boozy bourbon following through. Slightly charrish and oaky, with ripe fruits and espresso grounds. Slickish and smooth mouthfeel. Liquid velvet. Carbonation is on the low side and adds some creaminess. A blast of rounded bourbon, dark chocolate, and espresso lead off the pallet. Warming on the exhale. A red wine vineousity follows closely behind the bourbon, and oaky tannins bring on some dryness. Finishes with tannic red grapes, bitter chocolate, and lingering mellowed bourbon. Wowza. A tremendously complex and sophisticated brew. Amazing vineousity which I was not expecting. Let’s see how the 2008 compares...

draft @ bigwood fest - jet black with thin head; roasted aromas almost blocked completely by the bourbon aromas; drinks smooth and thin with mild aromas and obvious bourbon hints again; seemed more like a good porter spiked with bourbon rather than a beer aged in bourbon; same kind of feeling as a few other porters i tried this night

2004 Keg at Big Wood Fest. Tons of chocolate, vanilla and nutty bourbon/oak. Obvious soy present, but not enough to ruin it for me. Smooth as all hell. Subdued alcohol. Really enjoy this one despite it’s flaws.

2004 keg on tap at the Brouwers Bigwood fest Nov ’07.

Dark pour with big lacing. Very strong bourbon overwhelms the nose; chocolate but lots of oxidation; I think this one may have seen better days. Strong alcohol burn. Nonetheless, not bad.

A really good beer. Give this one a try if you can find it and its totally worth it. One of the best porters I"ve ever had.