Side-by-Side comparison of 2013 and 2014 BCBBW

Hi all,

I'm curious to know if anyone has done a side-by-side comparison of 2013 and 2014 BCBBW and cares to offer any insights.

I recently had a 2014 (12.1% ABV), followed by a cellared 2013 (11.7% ABV) the following evening. My experiences:

2014 - Poured a dark, yet clear ruby red. No head, low carbonation, and minimal lacing. Aroma of vanilla and wood, followed by dried stone fruit--a distinct bourbon profile. Taste was very sweet and followed the nose, with little hint of the malts until midway through, at which point bready maltiness came roaring through the aroma and taste. Outstanding mouthfeel that was thicker than expected, and very sticky.

2013 - Poured a translucent dark brown-red with some cloudiness due to fine sediment throughout. Again, no head and low carbonation. No lacing, but very, very leggy. Aroma was similar to the 2014--vanilla, wood, and dark fruit, but the maltiness (Wonder bread) was apparent from the start. Some light oxidation expressing itself as leather and slight mustiness was also present. Again, sweetness in the taste with bourbon and malt notes being expressed almost equally. Mouthfeel was less thick, but rather oily and slick.

In sum, differences between the 2013 and 2014 are subtle but real. I'm hard pressed to make a judgment call, but I'd say that the 2014 is imminently drinkable right now. Comparisons to other beers are difficult, but I'd say it was similar to Straight to Ale Unobtanium or Backwoods Bastard (yes, I'm aware of the style difference) in that way. Firm booziness, but quaffable. The 2013, was somewhat of a slower drinker. I was a bit surprised at the level of oxidation already present, but found that it added to the beer. Others might not care for it.

Some of the differences also surprised me, including the cloudiness in the 2013. Could this simply have been coagulated proteins? (I probably should have taken notes the first time out.) The color difference and diverging mouthfeels are also of note.

How were others' experiences? (Mods, please feel free to move this to the Cellaring forum if it would be better there. Thanks.)