Pours cloudy caramel color with modest straw head. Caramely aroma. Slight boozy flavor with hints of maple syrup.

Very smooth on the palate. Impressive bourbon flavor. The maple is subtle, molasses less so. Great sipping beer with some good cheese.

On tap at Salud Beer Shop in Charlotte. A very interesting brew that packs a wallop. But did not pick up much molasses.

Vanilla, fizzy bourbon, poached pear honey, mead like barley wine. Really fine.

B+. Very smooth bourbon, had too many drinks before to notice molasses or maple.

Excellent. Smooth. Easy sipper. Strong. Maple. Bourbon. Agree that a steak would be great with this and a fire.

Really powerful. Aroma is mixed drink: Manhattan or stiff whiskey old fashion. Aroma is also very woody. Maybe the only bourbon barreled beer I?ve had that actually might have whiskey in it (I know it doesn?t, or does it?). Much stronger, boozier than Curmudgeon. For me it?s a little much, and I?ve never said that about the many many barrel aged beers I?ve had. Maybe I need to try it in a different context?not as my second beer and after having part of dinner. So yes, as others have said it?s sweet; but for me boozy whiskey predominates. But a big HOWEVER: after letting it warm, it gets better. Becomes warm, buttery smooth, perfect for sipping. Takes off the edge, the woodyness, the excess whiskey. Yes, Fabio Aru should have known.

Slightly sweet, maple, malty

#3 on Best of 2012: Beer Geek Nation

2-23-13 Winter Beer Fest