2004 bottle, at BA Throwdown #2. Murky brown pour, watery white head, very creamy lacing. Spicy nose, dark fruit, dry wheat, some cinnamon, nutmeg. Very smooth, spicy malt flavors, cinnamon, banana, nutmeg, crisp notes of clove and Belgian yeast. Smooth sharp body, drinkable and tasty.

I believe this beer came from Bruisin Ales in Asheville. The oak is very subtle. Not too direct or aggressive. The beer pours a brown/red. The taste is all Belgian brown. Very rich and dark and delicious. Traces of bourbon. Some caramel. Very Trappist in taste and style. Bottled January 2008.

750ml from Whole Foods, Raleigh. One of the very best of Allagash’s barrel-aged series. Dark brown pour with very intense carbonation, releasing extremely appealing bourbon and oak notes. The foundation is a good solid Belgian strong, almost like Fin du Monde in a sense, given how prominent raisins and other fruits are in the flavor. Full mouthfeel, prickly carb and a bit of pepper, but it’s all smoothed out by the soft, subtle bourbon notes, which bring the beer together. Delish!

pours a dark brown with a ruby tint, medium size tan head, very good lacing.
smell of cocoa, dark fruit, caramel, roasted nuts, touch of vanilla, wood chips.
taste is somewhat smooth, chocolate, dark fruits, toffee, some nuts, touch of spice, slight smoke, alcohol well hidden, nice bitter finish.

Deep garnet brown color with a thin sand-tan head. Aroma is rich figs and oak, with a touch of dark brown sugar and molasses. The flavor has a nice foward oak, enriching a very creamy, rich chewy, dark fruit beer. Not a super thick syrupy beer, but vdery larg and in charge on the flavor. Mission figs, dates, and a touch of black strap molasses. Nice lingering oaky finish. As it warmed, it developed an anise like flavor. Bottle tasted on May 18 2008