Oskar Blues Barrel-Aged Ten FIDY 2018

__Aroma:__ “Strong chocolaty sweetness with vanilla, bourbon, some light cherry, raisin, and plum, plus a touch of mercaptan or plastic. Light oak and lots of malt sweetness, but with some roasted malt and smoke, too.” __Flavor:__ “A mix of chocolate sweetness and sweet dark fruit (plum/prune) carries through. Moderate vanilla, caramel, leather, and smoke. Strong bourbon carries through the finish, along with some molasses sweetness and medium alcohol. Thick, chewy body, and a sweetness that lingers. A bit of umami/soy sauce in the aftertaste, with bitter hops and alcohol warmth.” __Overall:__ “When the beer was cold, the chocolate, molasses, and sweetness were more in balance with the umami/soy sauce notes. As it warms, the alcohol dominates. The dark fruits were strong and flavorful, like a dried fruit cocktail, with layers of flavors to enjoy.”

“Pleasant aroma of rum-soaked candied dates, raisins, and dark chocolate; hints of roast malt, vanilla, caramel. Body’s on the thin side, lacking some of the more decadent qualities of the style.”

Roast and bourbon across the nose, with plums, dates, vanilla, and a chocolate/cherry-pie undercurrent. Roast malt adds backbone to the flavor, with restrained sweetness. Falls on the roastier side, dry, astringent. Invites another sip. Could handle, perhaps, a little more alcohol warmth.