Disappointing, especially at the price point. Not much whiskey character. Had to warm up to near room temp before it smoothed out, that was unexpected. Maybe I should have drunk this young and there would have been more whiskey? It was quite pleasant once it warmed up, though. It had a rich flavor and mouthfeel. I'm not buying any more of this stuff, though. Too much money. The BA Old Stock ale was phenomenal but this was not worth it. I've heard people bash BCBS as overpriced but BA Rasputin is double the cost of BCBS and nowhere near as good. I know it was just one year but a poor showing for $20+.

This is insanely good. Pure dessert. Hops barely present compared to the 2017 at this point. Not sure how much to attribute to vintage vs. age.

Drank a bottle with a dessert consisting of butterscotch pudding and homemade shortbread. Really brought out the "American" style. Hops were much more prevalent when consumed with sweeter foods. Still amazing every time.

Best just below room temperature.

So, this takes 2 or 3 years of aging to get it where I want it. The bite is gone, the heat is gone, so smooth and rich. Tastes unmistakably like a barleywine, and an American barleywine at that, but so well integrated. One of the few worth the cellar space. Sigh, not quite Straightjacket but half the price.

Life.

This was a little more woody tasting earlier on but now the sweeter stickiness is coming out just like you want from a barleywine.

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.

This one was much more pleasant than the previous bottle. It's a bit older and a different batch, not sure where the difference lies. Not as sweet and has more depth. Good value at this price.

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...

Just not the part of the spectrum of IPAs I prefer. You can tell it's well-made, but not for me.

SUper malty IIPA. Too malty. Even sweet. Doesn't hide ABV at all. Has a nice bitterness. Hop flavors are more earthy than fruity.

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...

Wow, finally, 6 months after bottling it's finally starting to taste right. That weird, hoppy? flavor has faded and it's sweet and boozy and carmely and buttery.

Something's wrong this year. Last year was as good as any barrel aged wee heavy on the market. This year has a bitter bite the destroys the carmely sweetness. Can't believe I bought so much this year instead of last year.

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...

Again big malt, less fermented cherry than I remember. Smells like vinegar but more of a moderate sour on the tongue. Carbonation is delightful as ever. Not sure I can put this up there with my favorites any more. Cran-bic is so good. And I still have an Oud Bruin left. Wished New Glarus would put out more in this vein instead Weiss beers.

So much maltier than I remember. Gives it a lot more depth, although it's not as crisply refreshing. Mutes the cherries a bit, too. Oddly reminds me of BBQ now, even though I don't like that beer.

Such a drinkable sour. New Glarus sours work for me. Less cherry and less carbonation than I remember.

Like bourbon soaked cocoa powder. As good as I've ever had it.

It's nearly perfect. I wouldn't mind a little more viscosity but no complaints other than that. If it's truly 9.5% this is a marvel. And much better than the other 2016 batch. I can't remember which one I gave to Jen, I hope it was this one.

Wow. Chocolate much? So much richer than when fresh. Bourbon has mellowed a bit but more chocolate roast. Very, very nice.

Shared 3 ways, we each had a small pour. Drank with berries and cookies. I noticed more coffee flavors than I ever have with this brew. Holds up well against competing sour and sweet flavors. Best on its own, though.

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...

Let's deal with this "Imperial Porter" nonsense. It's a stout. OK. It's really good. There is a nice fruit tart/sweet flavor, lots of chocolate. Not much bourbon. Second pour I could really taste the apricot, surprisingly. I didn't expect to be able to pick that out. Maybe the puree had sediment in the bottom of the bottle? Pretty expensive, though.

Let's deal with this "Imperial Porter" nonsense. It's a stout. OK. It's really good. There is a nice fruit tart/sweet flavor, lots of chocolate. Not much bourbon. Second pour I could really taste the apricot, surprisingly. I didn't expect to be able to pick that out. Maybe the puree had sediment in the bottom of the bottle? Pretty expensive, though.