Murky brown ale with reddish hues, no head. In aroma, vanilla beans and soy sauce, with light licorice notes. Wonderful rich sweet licorice malt, restrained hops, and figs in mouth, a wonderful fruity taste. Rich and smooth, with tingling in mouth, oily texture. On tap at RB, Nov. 12, 2005.

Draft, at RB Chicago. First thing I get is a great big maply taste. Then I paid attention to the look: a sort of thin dishwasher soap head that sticks around, unusual for a barley wine. Color is a deep sensuous brown. My best description of the taste would be "mellow as hell." I also catch a sort of IPA hop nose here, not big, but just enough to make you pucker and to keep the maltiness from overwhelming. Next I find a touch of honey creme, light oakiness, and barley wine flavor so strong you can just pick out the bourbon. Walking out the door, my lips are still just a little puckered.