Appearance: Deep brown-black color that pours a lovely tan head. Maintains its head throughout the experience. Good clarity.
Aroma: Great bourbon barrel predominates. Very slight hint of sweetness. Maybe some bitter chocolate with deep breathing.
Taste: Smooth. The bourbon barrel flavor is there but it doesn't overwhelm the beer. In fact, it is quite secondary to the dry coffee-chocolate notes that should carry any stout. The sharpness of the bourbon has mellowed significantly over time, providing a nice warmth before giving way almost immediately to a milky sweetness.
Verdict: I'm really proud of this beer. It successfully blends smooth, milky sweetness with a rich roasty flavor. With time, the sharpness of the bourbon has mellowed significantly and adds a great warmth, perfect for autumn. I'll definitely be brewing this one again!