In Texas with my daughter and son-in-law. How he found this 2018 Avery Tweak is beyond me. We are expecting a lot out of this because the reviews have all been fantastic. Aroma not as strong as I was expecting, chocolate, malt and strong dark fruit leaning toward raisin. Not much head on this pour and not much carbonation. Mouth feel is heavy and velvety smooth. Very soft. Intense flavor of dark chocolate, roasted malt, raisin and a beautiful alcohol burn. Does not feel like 14.7%. As it slides into the finish a robust coffee appears. The chocolate and alcohol warm you all over. From the very first ship this beers is demanding a 5.0. Nothing but artistry in this Brew. Absolutely wonderful on this 2018 version. Hope I can find some more from the next seasons.

I decided to do a Barrel Aged Advent Calendar again this year. Until recently, I assumed the Advent period was the 24 days leading up to Christmas. Most advent calendars I've seen in the store have had 24 slots. It started on November 29th this year. Oh well, I missed a day. Also, instead of randomizing 24 beers from a selection of 24, this year I'm having my girlfriend randomize 25 from a selection of 49 beers. This will make it harder for me to guess what's next. Oh well, enough rambling. Where's my beer? Barrel Aged Advent Calendar Day 1 Starting off with a doozy! 14.7% abv of barrel aged deliciousness. Chocolate, bourbon and coffee notes stand out in the aroma. Taste has bourbon, chocolate, toffee, slight hints of dark fruits and some oak coming in on the finish. Medium-full, almost full body, incredibly smooth mouthfeel and an appropriately lower amount of carbonation. Great way to start and I can't wait to see what's next. Just like before, this is a world class stout. 5/5

For my 4th and final stout on this Saturday summer stout night I’m going with Tweak. A bourbon barrel (plus these high abv beers are catching up to me - what I sacrifice for Pint Please). I think I need to switch to my Warsteiner after this. Has a bourbon with an oak, vanilla, light coffee and some caramel/toffee taste. A bit of an alcohol burn but at 14.7% I guess that s/b expected. Overall a very nice bourbon barrel but it cost me $13 for a 12 ounce bottle. Just a little too pricey to drink a often.

Celebrating America's independence day with an amazing beer. Coffee, bourbon, oak and chocolate in the aroma. Taste has coffee first, followed by bourbon, chocolate and then oak from the barrel aging. Exceptionally smooth and the alcohol is pretty well hidden. Coffee and bourbon linger into the aftertaste. Rich, thick and full bodied with an appropriately lower carbonation for the style. At $13.99 for a 12 ounce bottle, this is definitely not an everyday beer, but it makes for a tasty treat when the occasion calls for it. Truly a world class beer. 5/5

5 star beer. Just as phenomenal as last year. 5/5