Aroma is moderately strong dark chocolate with lots of dark fruit esters. Some bourbon character with oak notes including some nuttiness. The dark fruit is raisin, prune and fig. There is also a light, spicy alcohol note in the finish which smells a bit hot. Pours a dark brown with lighter brown highlights on the edged. Medium thickness head that recedes fairly quickly to the edges where it lingers. Almost no lacing with moderate legs. Flavor starts with quite a bit of sweet chocolate, some light roast and a hint of smoke. The dark fruit mix palate is light but present - raisin, fig and prune. The finish brings back the chocolate, slightly bitter. The finish has some bourbon notes and alcohol heat. There is a nice charred barrel character present mid palate and in the finish. Bitterness is moderately low. Mouthfeel is medium full bodied with medium carbonation. Low astringency and moderate alcohol heat. It starts silky smooth but finishes with a light chalkiness. Overall this is probably my favorite Almanac beer to date. I think the only thing that would make it better is a bit more time in the barrel as I think the alcohol heat would be more integrated. The dark fruit strikes me as an attempt at short cutting their way to a well aged barrel aged stout; it works fairly well. ---Rated via Beer Buddy for iPhone