Draught at EBF, 2/5/16.
Dark, lustrous, mahogany-to-ebony body shows moderate to moderately-high clarity and is topped by a small, tan head with moderate to moderately-low retention.
Light coffee, dark chocolate and moderate vanilla in the nose all come off quite light, though perhaps the nuttiness is soaking up some of the malt richness. Jackie O’s beers are usually pretty dry, though and these seems no exception. Some prunes and other various dark, vinous qualities are notable, with an earthy finish replete with light tar, treacle and more roast. Alcohol is well-controlled.
Jackie O’s stouts all have a very similar, distinctive character. Can’t exactly put my finger on it, but it’s a soft, silky-to-oily texture with a very good level of attenuation and yet well-developed maltiness, that belies the high abv. In some previous versions I’ve had, the adjuncts were a bit poorly done, but this one here doesn’t suffer from that at all, and the nuts come off really nicely done, adding complexity, texture and balance. Vanilla, cocoa, light toffee and prunes are all welcome, with low booziness and good dryness. A very well-made stout.

On tap at the brewpub, poured into a sample glass. Pours black with dark brown highlights. Thick body and low carbonation. Taste is chocolate with nuts (I could pick out hazelnuts). Alcohol well covered, best imperial stout I have had with nuts added and best stout I had for the night.

Share courtesy of Gription79. It pours with a dark mahogany body supporting a tan head of foam. The aroma initially has a vague but pleasing nut sensation and then it seem to get into booziness, dark roasted malts and faint chocolate brownie. The taste has a nice chocolate bar goodness that heads into smooth semi sweet nuttiness and dark roasted malts. To midway and into the finish it grows more and more boozy. Nice sipper.

22oz bottle shared by Dallas
Dark brown with a medium sized tan head and good lacing. Aroma of roasted malts, nutty and sweet toffee. Taste is roasted malts, nutty, chocolate, caramel and dry
Nice

Staff only 2012 Bottle thanks to Dallas. Pours a pure black color with a small beige head. A sweet light fruity and nutty nose. Sweet vanilla and cocoa, very nutty, sweet overall and quite light despite the ABV. Note: it says 20% aged in Bourbon Barrels on the label.