500mL bottled 12/14/2016, drunk 07/24/2026.
Good pop and there is a reasonable amount of not-long-retained head.
But the first impression is of oxidation; too much dark fruit. Some underlying malt still showing light caramel and chocolate, but scant barrel...not even identifiable bourbon character remaining, at least in the nose. Clean and with no alcohol, however.
It fares a bit better in the mouth, though whatever carbonation there was is mostly gone. But there's bourbon and good fudge and oak, so that's lovely to see. And while there's certainly oxidation present; lots of dark fruit...it's less than what you'd expect for an almost 10 year old stout. The texture here is wonderful - the fact that there's still a good, thick, chewy malt is impressive. Raisins, prunes, black pepper and light cigar notes lingering alongside very gently spicy bourbon. Still quite elegant, but a touch of tight carbonation and maybe 5 years less age would be ideal, of course. Happy to have got to try it, though, and it's still very enjoyable, gaining traction as it warms and breathes.