Another duo with my son-in-law in Texas. Trying this 2021 Bourbon barrel French press after having the 2020 version last night. Curious if it's going to be the same beer or have different characteristics. Looks the same in the glass. Aroma isn't as strong, less raisin and alcohol. Texture is thicker and creamier than the 2020. Flavor is different also. Not as alcohol forward, raisin is not as pronounced, the coffee is much more distinct. As the finish arrives, the alcohol picks up a little. Coffee takes on more of a dark mocha, a little more bitterness and light notes of chocolate that I do not remember from last night. Creaminess still present with the addition of a whisper of vanilla. All the ingredients may be the same from 2020 into this 2021 edition, but it is slightly different. This version actually did seem like 9.9% alcohol while the 2020 batch seemed to be in the low 11% range. I also miss the dark raisin not being quite as strong. Don't get me wrong, this is an excellent beer. The differences are small and subtle. I don't know if the extra year of aging had any effect or it was just a different batch of beer but I preferred the 2020 version.