Has definitely smoothed out after a few months. Quite pleasant, coffee isn't as bitter. Never had a strong barrel flavor, just a little sweetness and depth. Can't promise I would guess it's barrel aged if I didn't already know. That's really the only disappointing thing. I should grade on a curve at 8% but come on, guys!

Very strong coffee flavor. I wonder what the base beer is like because it's not massive. Some nice chocolate stuff as well but the coffee is the featured player. Thankfully the coffee isn't bitter. I can't really detect any whiskey and I'm hard pressed to be more specific regarding any qualities lent by the barrel besides depth. Easy to understand they'd be reticent to leave it in the barrel for an extended period of time given their previous production issues with this beer. Is this just their brewhouse stout barrel aged (or vice versa)? Doesn't seem like a candidate for aging at this ABV, although I'm not sure it's really 8.5%.

Great vintage, just like I want it. Just enough sweetness but more toasty malt goodness.

Seems sweeter this year, less of a malty bite than last year.

Whoa, is something wrong with this batch? Tastes like overripe strawberries this time.

Great vintage, just like I want it. Just enough sweetness but more toasty malt goodness.

Seems sweeter this year, less of a malty bite than last year.

Tastes more like a mixed drink than a beer. Fun and interesting but only as a one off. Huge rum, plenty of coconut savor, big chocolate notes. Would be much better at around 8% but this was 12.

Great vintage, just like I want it. Just enough sweetness but more toasty malt goodness.

Seems sweeter this year, less of a malty bite than last year.

Great vintage, just like I want it. Just enough sweetness but more toasty malt goodness.

Seems sweeter this year, less of a malty bite than last year.

Holds up well after 3 years. Maybe better around 1.5 to 2.

Kind of like a Belgian Strong Ale, candy sugar sweetness but with more malty depth. Some Dried fruit sweetness, as well. Carbonation is superb, incredibly delicate bubbles that give a velvety feel. It's probably not brewed to taste like this but by sheer coincidence is excellent as it ages.

I need to try this one fresh because I really like it with some age on it. Would be interesting (and expensive) to compare.

I missed recording a bottle of this somewhere.

This 2018 did not hold up. Completely oxidized. Can't wait to open the 2014 or 2012 now to see if my memory of what it should be is correct.