A pour into my snifter was opaque with minimal brown foam. Retention was even less while there was some spotty lacing.
Aroma makes the taste buds water. Vanilla, oak, slight bourbon, molasses, dark fruit (cherries), and maybe a touch of cherry. Complex.
Taste is big too. Vanilla, oak, and dark fruits swirl together until the bourbon/brandy and molasses add to the mix. The finish brings more oak, earth, and ash type of flavors. Each flavor seems to have its day in the sun. A touch of tartness is present in the end too.
Big mouth feel with minimal carbonation on top of a creamy feel.
Very little alcohol presence in spite of the big ABV which lends to the drinkability. The complex flavors and aromas are well blended into a very good drinking experience. This is the second of three bottles. The first two have been wonderful, time for the third to sit for a while. Enjoy!