OK. Similar to Blood of the Unicorn, as I expected. Maybe a bit hoppier, though, and I liked it better overall. Not a beer I'd buy on my own though,

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.

Cocoa powder. Held up better than the Scotch Ale, little bourbon left. Doesn't benefit from aging, though.

Yes.

Tried this next to the (very fresh) 2016 and there's no comparison. The 2015 is so mellow and rich and deep. Should be interesting to compare after another year.

Yes. So much flavor. Doesn't have the rick, thick, bite of a RIS but so good. Lots of barrel character. Vanilla in the aroma, chocolate in the flavor. No need to buy Uncle Jacob's Stout anymore.

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.

It's a pretty good RIS. Not great, though. I sat on it for a full year and I just don't think it has the depth I want. And at 12% abv, simply doesn't stand up to other options.

I remember loving this a couple years ago. Now it's meh. I need to back off the ABVs but that's where the flavor is.

Great RIS. Roasty and dark and heavy. Smells a bit smoky. Worthwhile and reasonably priced. But nothing has surpassed Bell's Expedition Stout for me in the non-barrel-aged category.

I remember loving this a couple years ago. Now it's meh. I need to back off the ABVs but that's where the flavor is.

I remember loving this a couple years ago. Now it's meh. I need to back off the ABVs but that's where the flavor is.

I remember loving this a couple years ago. Now it's meh. I need to back off the ABVs but that's where the flavor is.

Unfortunately this one had turned pretty far, I didn't want any more after the first sip. Parents still thought it was good until I opened the 2015, which had fared much better.

After four cans I'm ready to make my decision. I'm putting this in the category of don't drink again, not that good. Alcohol shows up way too much. I've had plenty of 9-10% IIPAs that weren't this sweet. Malt is way out of balance. The hop profile is pretty good, pleasantly bitter with musty, earthy, floral flavors. Great aroma and otherwise enjoyable but not worth the price or the alcohol. I'll take a NvU any day. Same price, more beer, less alcohol.

After four cans I'm ready to make my decision. I'm putting this in the category of don't drink again, not that good. Alcohol shows up way too much. I've had plenty of 9-10% IIPAs that weren't this sweet. Malt is way out of balance. The hop profile is pretty good, pleasantly bitter with musty, earthy, floral flavors. Great aroma and otherwise enjoyable but not worth the price or the alcohol. I'll take a NvU any day. Same price, more beer, less alcohol.