Wisdom: Henry McKenna and Barton 1792 Barrel Aged
Barreled Souls Brewing Company

Pour appears thick and sinister - black and heavy viscosity. Held to the light it has bronze and reddish tints, very clear. Short khaki head that leaves the thinnest ring in the glass. No lacing but the liquid leaves glorious legs on the glass.

The smell fills a goodly area of the room - sweet tobacco, brown sugar, oak, a vinous character like port wine or sherry, as yet unspecified fruits of the dark sort. There a mild spiciness. Bourbon is present but not dominating - amazing with all that time in the barrel (sorry Croce fans). It's pretty fantastic.

Oh what a letdown on the taste - yeah, NO. It's a good one without even trying hard. Its sweet but in just the right proportion for me. Sweet bourbon, dark brown sugar (could maybe go Belgian candy sugar), caramel, light tobacco, fruit that includes black currant, figs and dates and raisins, oh my. Oaky tingle and a nicely balancing vanilla. It does have that Tawny Port or sherry thing going on - a definite vinous taste. There's a little kiss of milk chocolate. There's just a bit of spiciness - a little bit peppery or maybe cinnamon or clove or anise - but not much. It's there but not definite at all. With more sips I'm getting a little maple sugar flavor - dont know how that fits the equation but I like it.

This is smooth as silk and pleasantly heavy on the palate. I think I can finally use the word "chewy" - it's got some heft to it. A tad bit of stickiness on the lips. Nicely under-attenuated. The ABV reveals as a little tongue tingly sensation. I reckon this would have been insanely "hot" a few months ago. Now? Just pure indulgence.

I keep thinking I've hit an apex with Barreled Souls and I get something like this. I totally wish I'd spent another $20 for a second bottle. It would age spectacularly.