While at SOTS and the Whiskey River Ranch. we are having a special stout, brought by Ryan. Small head in my glass. Entered the snifter as a dark brown body with the head, a deep tan. Aroma of dark chocolate malt, a dark fruit probably raisin, and a whiskey with it's wooden barrel. The texture brings a cloud like softness. The flavor first gives me that woodsy barrel aging then a creamy European style chocolate, surprisingly a real natural pecan appears. Middle adds the 11% but it's gentle and not offensive. Finally the finish brings a sand storm dryness. This is a great beer and it went to battle but did not quite across the finish line for a 5.0. .