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A barrel aged beast with some monster appeal. The appearance has a deep amber to brown color. Big legs with lots of viscosity. Not much for head retention and lacing to speak of but this is not a typical beer.

The nose is very complex. A big caramel and woody aroma. More of a kettle caramel but some noticeable sugar and Belgian quality malts. More of a port like aroma with complexity and some wine like notes. Some yeast and alcohol notes with some esters, plums, figs and sautéed raisin thing. There is an American wood like note that is similar to bourbon. The alcohol is there but not much on the fusel notes. Very complex.

The taste also has a complexity but differs from the nose. The caramel is still represented but more wood and port notes come out. A more melanodian like malt complexity with some caramelized sugar. There is a red wine like flavor that comes out in the finish and lingers but blends nicely throughout. Definite raisin notes with some minor fig and plum notes. The alcohol comes out but not overly fusel. The wood is noticeable but backs off versus the nose. Some earthy, woody notes that also enhances and just adds to the complexity. This comes out more as the beer warms up. Great complexity.

The body is big. Did I mention the complexity? The carbonation is light which helps emphasis the port quality of the beer. Some heat and warming effects. This is a sipping beer for sure. Overall I am a big fan of the beast but adding the wood notes really adds an another dimension that really is fantastic. Great beer.

Served In: Bottle