Bourbon, chocolate and vanilla, all blended together in a great harmony. The 13.5% abv is somewhat apparent, but not overwhelming so. Less carbonation and more chocolate would take this to outstanding territory for sure. 4.25/5

Bourbon and chocolate in the aroma. Taste has bourbon, followed by chocolate and vanilla. A bit boozy, but that's to be expected at 13.5% abv. Well balanced and delicious. 4.25/5

Chocolate and bourbon in the aroma. A little bit of vanilla as well. Taste has chocolate and bourbon showing up first as well. The booziness of the bourbon is decently strong. The vanilla is there, helping to smooth things out some. Although there is no coffee advertised being in this, I'm definitely getting some. Perhaps the roastiness of the malts is playing tricks on my palate. Very well made stout that could only be better if the bourbon wasn't so boozy. I can't wait to see how this ages. A year in the cellar might work wonders on this beer. 4/5

I'm getting some nice, sweet chocolate and a smooth vanilla in the aroma. I'm also getting some bourbon and oak from the barrel aging. The bourbon definitely hits first in the taste. Smooth, yet boozy and quite warming on the way down. To quote what I just said to myself, "I'm getting a whole lot of fucking bourbon." Pardon my French, but I think that's the best way to describe the initial taste. There's a vanilla sweetness beyond the bourbon. Not really getting any chocolate in the taste, which is slightly disappointing, but even without the chocolate, this is still really good. I'm getting some coffee, which this isn't advertised as having, but to me it's there. This was already pretty warm when I started this review, but now that it's even warmer, there is some chocolate showing up. Despite falling slightly short on the advertised flavors, this is a great beer. I'll grab another 4-pack to age, to see if maybe it develops more. 4.25/5

Gift from my parents for my 21st birthday. Nice chocolate and vanilla flavor but a bit strong for my taste.