Beerlando (2284), Orlando, Florida, USA Jan 12, 2008 Having been blown away by the Older Viscosity just a few hours prior, I thought there was certainly no way this brew could live up to its bourbon barrel aged brother. Boy, was I mistaken. The brew pours a deep, dark, chocolaty mahogany brown. A minimal, swirly film coats the top, with a thin bubbly edge leaving behind minimal spots of sudsy lacing. The aroma is intensely rich and roasty. Dark chocolate, nougat, dark cherries, and figs all play huge roles. Moderate earthy hops are present, though the roast tends to drown them out a bit. I swear I pick up some bourbon in this version, though its probably just the alcoholic fumes blending with the caramel and nougat. The flavor is incredibly rich and chewy, with chocolate, caramel, nougat, and oak fighting one another for top billing. The mouthfeel is thick and viscous, considerably more substantial than the Older version. Finishes incredibly long, roasty, and warm. Awesome brew. Just as good as the Older, though very different. I’ll be buying more of this for sure. BMan1113VR (2757), Los Angeles (and Dallas), Texas, USA Jan 10, 2008 Very different, I question its claim as an American Strong Ale. Still, I like it. Pours an extremely dark brown with a light brown head that disappears in about a minute thirty. Aroma is chocolate covered cherries (by far the strongest description of the smell). Some light hops in the background. Taste is like a strong sweet stout; coffee, but it has the spirt/hop and alcohol profile of an American strong ale. Intresting Combination. Goes down oily smooth with lively carbonation. Very unique. thegreat78 (32), San Marcos, California, USA Jan 9, 2008 Very thick and soy like, no head and extreme alcohol. a slight Ouzo smell and flavor. Not something I could drink much of. Port brews are some of my favorites but this one is not one I care for. MagooinPA (99), Warminster, Pennsylvania, USA Jan 5, 2008 22oz bomber. Pours like described. Just like changing the oil on your car or truck. Black as oil with 3000 hard miles on it. Nice brownish/copper color head with volcanic eruptions of co2. The beer beckons me with it’s fruity, smokey, boozy aroma. Some hops, but not much.The nose is all over the place and the senses are overwhelmed. I did just spend 4 hrs outside doing yard work since it is 45f + sunny here with no snow on the ground. I want a beer so bad and this being the 1st one is too much! Wow, the 1st sip is a surprise because it tastes like a stout with a Belgian yeast that is tinged with bourbon. Each sip is more complex than the last. After the 4th or so I notice the abv as I warm up a bit. This is one big ass beer and might last me until the Steelers vs Jaguars game which is about 5 hrs from now. I hope it lasts that long but I know in about half an hour I’ll wish I had another. I don’t know if I could handle another. This is a beer worth savoring, sharing, and if you have the discipline, cellaring. Well worth the money and I would love to try one that is aged a year or 2. One last side note: This is one of the best bourbon barrel aged beers I’ve ever tasted. hellbilly (1502), scottsdale über alles, Arizona, USA Jan 5, 2008 year old bottle...pours an opaque coffee color with yeast floaters topped by a fluffy cocoa head which quickly fades into a ring. aroma and flavor are a big disappointment until this beast warms up...the nose is full of stingy alcohol, bitter roasty malt, chocolate, coffee, brown sugar, nuts, wood and general bourbon qualities. flavor is quite robust and perplexing...a cross between a BW and a coffee porter...a bit sweet but bearable. notes of coffee, brown sugar, vanilla, dark raisins and wood with yeasty dryness on the finish. bitterness and alcohol linger in the aftertaste. medium to full bodied and a lot lighter mouth feel than would be expected from such a sweet aroma and flavor. genre defying brew... shp555 (1678), Atlanta, Georgia, USA Jan 4, 2008 Pours an opaque jet black color with a dark brown head. Aroma is molasses, bourbon, dark chocolate, dark fruit, roast, and some woody notes. Flavor is caramel, molasses, chocolate, some bourbon, a hint of fruit, a bitter finish, with some alcohol burn. DenverLogan (421), MileHi, Colorado, USA Jan 1, 2008 Dark coffee color; Medium swirling amber head. Subtle malt and coffee aroma. Very rich flavors of espresso, dark chocolate, carob, toffee, molassas, bitter hops. Might be smoother after a year or so...it’s rough and tough fresh! rmussman (905), California, USA Dec 31, 2007 Wow. Quite an intense beer. Pour like oil as described. Has a lot of sediment that comes glopping out. Taste is very very nice full of sweet malts. A fine brew
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