Fourth time having it, and I'm tasting less cognac barrel and more of a ribbon of syrupy umami... followed by booze. This reminds me a bit of what I must have thought the first time I had this. Same vintage, four different reactions. Maybe this beer is just better in the summer? Who knows?

It's still intriguing, no doubt, but I think I may just be about done with this beer.

A year seems to have helped this, unsurprisingly. Unlike last time, the alcohol is no longer overpowering, and the cognac is actually noticeable, if not dominant. Slight bitterness on the finish - really, really tasty!

Some caramel in attack with a vodka-ish finish.

Smells alcohol and bitter. Taste touch sweet, pleasant bitters, like a nice butterscotch. Mellow taste given the alcohol.

An old keg from the back was a special treat today. Starts like their pale ale, but very smooth and mellow before opening up into a strongly alcoholic flavor, not unlike a barleywine. Which I guess is not surprising. Nice and rare.