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.

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.