Aroma: “Moderate dark fruits of raisin, light plum, big cherry, and date. Notes of light coffee, vanilla, and chocolate, with some caramel and light roast. Great complexity on the nose—full-bodied, nice, sweet, and inviting.”

Flavor: “Assertive alcohol up front continues throughout the sip in a big and inviting way. Very intense raisin and plum charge the taste buds. Chocolate and roast sit in the background, with a touch of tobacco, strong oak tannins, light vanilla, and malt sweetness. Oak and bourbon come through, along with some oak tannins. Light acidity and a hint of vinegar balance the sweetness. It’s full-bodied and chewy.”

Overall: “The intensity of this beer was significant—the stone fruits, raspberry, vanilla, and assertive alcohol are quite intriguing. It’s big and complex, and given the alcohol strength, it’s very balanced. The more you drink, the more you find.”