Aroma: “Cinnamon, cloves, rum-like molasses, and tequila-like peppery spices. Vanilla and coconut. Some alcohol on the nose. Rich dark caramel notes with a nice hint of oak.”

Flavor: “Robust molasses, brown sugar, and vanilla accompany a nicely balanced bitterness. It’s almost like a barleywine spiced rum, but even spiced rum isn’t this good. Nice raisin/cherry highlights and a pleasant semisweet chocolate and cocoa flavor, followed by a hint of coconut. Pleasant alcohol warmth, spicy and soothing.”

Overall: “The rum-like character to this beer is intriguing. One gets the impression of sweetness without the physical sensation on the tongue. A well-executed barrel-aged sipper: The blend of rich candied character with the barrel and aging work well together. Nice sweet, warm finish that makes it very enjoyable for sipping.”