It's fine but too much caramel from the malt. Reminds me of Founders Azacca IPA. Balance is one thing but it's an IPA, man.

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%.

All caramel and smoke. Not ideally fresh but I expected it to not be a problem for this one at 4 months old. Has a little of that "old beer" quality. I remember liking it better before. Will have to revisit in some form.

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.

It's fine but too much caramel from the malt. Reminds me of Founders Azacca IPA. Balance is one thing but it's an IPA, man.

It's fine but too much caramel from the malt. Reminds me of Founders Azacca IPA. Balance is one thing but it's an IPA, man.

This is what I remember, the 2016 is weak by comparison.

Still surprisingly carbonated. Dried fruit flavors are even more intense than the 2014 but not overwhelming.

Very heavy on the apple from the Teku glass.

Blows me away, every time. The wrong food pairing can wreck this beer, though. First glass was amazing. After a salad with vinegar mustard dressing, all I could taste was the apples and a little cherry tart and cranberry sour.

All caramel and smoke. Not ideally fresh but I expected it to not be a problem for this one at 4 months old. Has a little of that "old beer" quality. I remember liking it better before. Will have to revisit in some form.

Tastes like sherry. Sweet, foamy, tolerable wheatness. Another option for a winter beer to warm you up.

It's fine but too much caramel from the malt. Reminds me of Founders Azacca IPA. Balance is one thing but it's an IPA, man.

All caramel and smoke. Not ideally fresh but I expected it to not be a problem for this one at 4 months old. Has a little of that "old beer" quality. I remember liking it better before. Will have to revisit in some form.

Still fantastic. No drop-off but my preference center's around the three year mark. Barrel-aged is great but not what I want all the time. Perfect with beef stew.

Nearly 3 years old and this is in it's prime.

Yep, this is my definition of Russian Imperial Stout.

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.