Aroma: “Bourbon and vanilla notes up front, with a prominent coffee and roasted malt flavor to follow. Very complex and inviting aroma—raisin, cacao nibs, and spicy, earthy hops. Coffee is well presented, though just a touch of green pepper. Nice almond, vanilla, and coconut character from the barrel.”

Flavor: “Beautiful blend of smooth espresso coffee, bittersweet and dark chocolate, and most of all, delicious vanilla and bourbon oak flavors. The chocolate is complex, sweet, and dry. Vanilla-and-oak character blends well with the great coffee-and-bourbon character of this beer.”

Overall: “It’s hard to imagine a better-crafted beer. Coffee-and-barrel character are intermingled with malt sweetness and chocolate in a beautiful symphony of flavors that masterfully blends and weaves together to make for a perfect drinking experience. Incredible beer, perhaps one of the best I’ve ever had, if not the best. Perfectly executed and delivers on all fronts.”