On the floor at GABF 2007. Smells very porty and vanilla, with a little floral honey in the alcohol character (reminding of the more floral meads I’ve had). Flavor is right in the sweet spot for my tastes in barley wines: chocolate and caramel covered raisins in a brown sugar reduction, bright thick sweetness and malts all over. Alcohol comes through in the finish a bit, which is an elegant counterpoint to the sweetness running through it. Well done.

2005 vintage served during the 2007 GABF. Solid black pour with no head. Nose of malt, chocolate, caramel, alcohol. Very smooth and a bit carbonated. Taste is sweet, chocolately, and the alcohol is well hidden for this monster beer. Almost too drinkable and dangerous.

2005 vintage on tap at the brewpub on 10/12/07: Pours an oily nearly opaque dark mahogany with a thin ring of white head. Aroma of complex sweet dark caramel and oaky bourbon with a lot of raisins and brown sugar. Body starts very full, rich and sweet with nice dark fruity complexity toward a dense oaky whiskey finish. Nicely balanced and well-aged with a touch of oxidized complexity.

tap. hazy mahogony with no head. oakrum malt aroma. rich bourbon flavor caramel sugar and maple. deliciuous.

(Draught) Pours a mahogany body with a small beige head. Aroma of raisins, brown sugar, caramel, and chocolate. Flavor of maple syrup, caramel, biscuit, molasses, dark fruits, and vanilla with a sticky finish.