Rating #1400. 750 ml foil-capped bottle, thanks to a trade with Alen. Barrel aged aromas hit me from two feet away after I pry off the cap--toasted coconut, vanilla, bourbon; also raisins, molasses. Maple comes out strong after it warms. Pours murky brown with a medium beige head that falls into a collar after a minute or two. Taste is sweet and oaky before becoming savory and boozy. The booze, although strong, is welcome here and not overbearing. Finishes with a licorice flavor. Body is thick and chewy, texture syrupy. I don’t get any smoke at all here, which I was really looking forward to, but this is still pretty freaking awesome.

Bottle @ The Lost Tasting Of Abbey Beers, Odense 2013. Thanks to Sean 9689. Pours ruby amber with a small creamy head. Sweet malty nose. A bit of dark dried fruit, massive caramel and a bit of wood. Very vague wood, smoke, mild alcohol and some liquorice. Refined and balanced. Smooth and slick. Great stuff.

Bottle courtesy of T0rin0 to GT2 and biggirlpanties, graciously shared at their wedding - thank you all! Rich, velvety, complex barleywine with notes of vanilla, brandy, prunes, maple, toast. Delicious.