Lots of char, less chocolate than the 2015 that I had recently. This bottle got really boozy as it warmed. Can use some time to mellow. Always a pleasure to drink.

We all loved it. High abv but it is a barleywine. About as close as I have found to the CW version, which was unexpected. Obviously more $$ so not a repeat buy. I bought it because I read it had staeted as a Scotch Ale that grew too big. I wouldn't have guessed with the hoppiness. Again, loved it but nothing I don't have in my cellar already.

Has a similar acetone flavor to the Lolita. Some nice sweet fruitiness although not distinctly blackberry. The Lolita was definitely raspberry. The acetone didn't bother me as much with this one. Not worth the price tag. Didn't love it.

Wow, really good today. Even better than last week. Definitely more juicy fruitiness. Less bitterness, which isn't necessary for me, but this one hit its prime (to my taste buds) after about 3 weeks. Similar to Pipeworks Citra...

It's very good. Not quite $11 good. If they use Old Engine Oil as the base then this is quite a transformation. Smoky and chocolatey but not particularly sweet. Perhaps that is the scotch vs. bourbon. The flavors are more subtle and it takes time to parse them. Even though it's expensive, it's very satisfying for 8% alcohol. Thicker and richer than I expected. Nice job on that front. I payed $5/bottle for KBS, though, and Expedition Stout is less than $3. But those are both over 11%. Tempting but I don't think I'll pay up for more of this.

Really well made. Started out tasting like cold coffee but the chocolate took over as it warmed. Only detected the chiles in the aroma and the aftertaste. Nice and thick. I wouldn't guess 13%. And it seems unnecessary. Maybe it tames the other strong flavors? Chocolate was unsweetened and blended perfectly. I'd like to see a version just with chocolate and vanilla. I could leave the coffee and chiles. Also not worth the hefty price tag. Reasonable to pay < $5 but ≥ $8 feels like a scam.

A little more bitter than I remembered. Smoothed a bit as it warmed but still more coffee and dark chocolate than I prefer. Bourbon is barely there right now to my palate.

This is the best KBS has ever tasted to me. So balanced and chocolaty, but not rich. Deceptively smooth at nearly 12% ABV. Thinner than many consider ideal for big stouts but screw that, this is basically perfect. A little bitter but coffee doesn't overwhelm. Bourbon is surprisingly low key which really lets the other flavors shine.

Harsher than the 2016 but has more flavor. Hope it will settle a bit in the bottle. Exquisitely balanced as always.

Past its prime by this point, less than 18 months old. Not much chocolate left. I get bitter coffee and molasses finish. I'll have a 2017 soon to compare. At 1 year old this was still nearly identical to the fresh batch.

Smoother mouthfeel than the 2017 but coffee has dropped off significantly. I like the 2017 better already and I expect it to smooth out quickly as ot settles in the bottle.

Wow, really good today. Even better than last week. Definitely more juicy fruitiness. Less bitterness, which isn't necessary for me, but this one hit its prime (to my taste buds) after about 3 weeks. Similar to Pipeworks Citra...

I like this vintage a little cooler. Surprisingly, that's where the barrel character comes to the fore. Less distinct and balanced as it warms. I experienced something similar with the BA Silhouette, so maybe it's my palate changing with all the big beers I've been drinking this winter. Really good when it's good, at those lower temps. Not refrigerator cold, but cooler than I typically drink by high gravity beers.

Kind of a mess right now, honestly. Boozy, harsh and thin. Carbonation overwhelms. Nice vanilla flavors but way too fresh at 8 days old. Should be nice later, though.

Not bad, very malty for <5%. Would like to try it fresher, but this was barely 2 months old. Rather expensive, though, for what it was.

Not bad, very malty for <5%. Would like to try it fresher, but this was barely 2 months old. Rather expensive, though, for what it was.