(Draught at Brydens, Toronto, Aug 15 2013) Pours a nearly opaque burnt orange tending towards brown, dense white head leaving a carpet of lace. Aroma is interesting as it seems to indicate massive hop fade from the non-barrel version. Aroma is relatively more freshly cedar-ish than the non-bourbon because it’s not buried by hops, but there is a big slightly sweet vanilla-ish wood component too. The reviewer below me likely hits it on the head with tequila as this has the character of a good anejo/reposado. Palate has sweet caramel malt, alcohol, floral hops, vanilla, fresh cedar, bourbon initially - rather sweet. Dries a bit mid to late palate, with notes of bourbon, vanilla/wood, cedar resin, hop resin, black pepper, alcohol. Finishes almost completely dry but with relatively restrained bitterness. Mouthfeel is medium-thick but sticky, with moderate carb and prominent alcohol. This is not really a DIPA in my books, more an Am. Strong/Am. Barleywine, but quibbles. It is unique, it is good, it wears its barrel well and is distinct from the non-bourbon beer.