Day #18 of Advent Calendar. Muddy, jet black beer with timid carbonation sprinkles a modest fawn head that doesn't even fully cover the surface and bends a bit upwards against the rim of the glass. Sooner than not, the top is entirely flat still. Dark chocolate and licorice spectate from the sidelines when Bourbon waves to the crowds. Raspberry is recognizable but not abundant. I sort of expected it to be... I can also imagine a silent sigh of blackcurrant among the olfactory elements. Vanilla emanates undoubtedly to the nose. Promising package: sweetness is limited, neither does Bourbon blind my nose. The flavor universe opens a wormhole to another reality. Dark chocolate, cacao nibs, Bourbon and raspberry are all massive. Like praline. Distant followers include anis root, vanilla, lactose, blackberry and rock salt. Overall, the experience is neatly balanced and truly intriguing. 🖤🖤🖤 The body is robust. Meets my expectations! Hooray! The finish bursts with Bourbon and other components familiar from the actual taste. All flavors come forward beautifully and bravely like there's no tomorrow! The mouthfeel is full, deep, rich, intense and barrel aged. It's also oily, thick, reasonably alcoholic and appealingly warming. And very balanced just like I indicated. This is not particularly wintry but works of course perfectly in a winter night. Solid piece for a nightcap! 🖤🖤🖤 NOTE: The barcode gives vintage 2019.