Smoky. Caramely but not too sweet. Really drinkable at 8%. It's a win for the wee heavy.

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.

Has definitely hit its stride. Really nice right now.

Coming out funky early this year.

Has definitely hit its stride. Really nice right now.

Coming out funky early this year.

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.

Cocoa powder. Less bourbon than I remember from the other bottle, wouldn't mind a little more. It also needs another month, at least, to settle in the bottle. But maybe the best vintage that I can remember.

The 2016 took a few months to get this good. This one is ready to go out of the gate. Chocolate bomb on the nose and tongue. Some coffee at the backend, too. More than I remember in other vintages. This is simply great. Reaffirms that I don't _need_ any other barrel stout.

Smoky. Caramely but not too sweet. Really drinkable at 8%. It's a win for the wee heavy.

Smoky. Caramely but not too sweet. Really drinkable at 8%. It's a win for the wee heavy.

Smells great. Thick and chocolatey but has a weird fuzzy soury? kind of flavor that really undercuts my enjoyment. Less than the sum of the parts. Not really picking up on anything I would describe as graham cracker or marshmallow. Pipeworks missed the mark with this one.

Holds up well but doesn't particularly benefit from ageing. Tastes the same as the 2018, which is to say excellent.

Unknown date of consumption. Forgot to record an entry somewhere.

Different than any previous year I remember. Smells like straight up whiskey, tastes like burnt caramel. It's not unpleasant but doesn't have the malty sweet richness I love. It's fresh, though. Needs some time to settle.