Pours black, small to medium tanned head. Smell is full, tad sweet, noticeable bourbon and oak chips. Smell very nice. Actually. Mild roasty. Even some cocoa like features. Vanilla is hidden as a specific, but contributes to the whole for sure. Taste is full, noticeable alcohol, towards boozy. Roasty. Sharp, almost ashy malts. Soft aspects from the oak ( and bourbon). Vanilla is recognizable, but very hidden. Mouthfeel is medium, I would prefer a thicker body ( with a more complex malt base). Carbonation is medium high ( which is always higher than my personal preference). Good beer in general, but with all this ( international) competition, this might just need that little something extra.