This is #1400 on my review list. Yay! I've been saving this special Texas, Martin House Brewing, 2 can, Special Series Box for this occasion. My son-in-law has the other can so we can share this together. Rye whiskey barrel aged Imperial Stout. Very high expectations for this 14% beer. Poured from the can with a very, very dark color. Small head which is deep tan, isn't lasting very long. When swirled it leaves a film on the glass. No doubt about that 14%, alcohol is very predominant in the aroma. Obviously not bourbon. The difference using Rye barrels is distinctive. Some deep cocoa chocolate in the background. First sip delivers that strong Rye alcohol flavor. It's followed by a bittersweet cocoa chocolate with only a miniscule amount of brown sugar in the background to smooth out both whiskey and cocoa. Very well balanced. These are not mellow flavors, high on the intensity of flavor. The finish instantly becomes dry, almost like liquid sand. Tongue feels like sandpaper. Strangely, this is not a negative. From first through the finish the flavor remains consistent. Only as the beer warms does the Rye Barrel flavor become a little more dominant. But not much. I enjoyed this beer very much and it's going to get a high rating. It's only drawback is that it's not very complex. Rye whiskey barrel, a little brown sugar and cocoa nibs. What you got at the first continued through the finish without any changes or surprises. It's simplicity is great but also keeps it from a being unique experience that you will remember next year. More of a really, really good dry stout rather than a "special limited edition, 2 can in a box" beer that screams "Wow, what the hell was that?".