It's almost up there but doesn't maintain the smooth rich character it promised. Starts out like Silhouette and retains plenty of whiskey even though I've let it sit probably a year too long. Still, it drinks like 9% and I'd never complain about it.

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

Not much cherry. I think I liked the Sanctification better. Still a top shelf sour. I'll continue to grab these when I get the chance. Maybe not at $14 a bottle, though.

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

Solid porter.

Smoo hoo hooth. Smoother than anything I've ever tasted in this ABV tier. And rich! I barely noticed the coffee, I would have chalked it up to the roast in the malt if I hadn't taken another look at the bottle halfway through. Possibly because I let it sit for a year+. The chocolate dominates and I don't resent it one bit. Did I mention smooth? It's pricey at $14 but it's as good as any stout I've had. Thick thick and rich rich. I don't think I'll pass on this one if I see it again.

Has definitely hit its stride. Really nice right now.

Coming out funky early this year.

So, so good.

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

Tasted a bit sour when cold, I was worried about infection but I don't think that was the case. Extremely yeasty. Tasted like a Belgian ale. Not sure what to think. I liked it better fresher when the bourbon was more prominent and I didn't noticed the yeast as much. I'm tempted to keep it a couple more years to see how it changes but I don't know...

No hint of the whiskey. Otherwise a good barleywine. Listed as "English Barleywine" but seemed very hoppy to me. Lots of sediment floating around marred the clear red liquid. Very pleasant to drink, just the right balance of sweetness. Shows the 11% abv, though. I don't recall my previous impression but I'm rather disappointed at the lack of barrel character in this bottle.

Much better than it was a month ago. Nice and buttery.

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

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.

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.