After a grueling long work week after vacation, finally taking time to enjoy a Duo. Gift pack from Prairie Artisan Ales. A powerful 14.2% Barrel aged Stout. Expectations are elevated. Poured like motor oil, no head, only a small swirl of bubbles on the surface. Aroma has a powerful alcohol delivering oak Barrel and traces of vanilla. Texture is deceiving, not near as heavy as expected. First taste delivers a combination of strong alcohol, definitely has the characteristics associated with an oak barrel bourbon, and an abundance of an alcohol based vanilla extract. This is excellent. As the middle arrives, chocolate flavor develops. However, it's not really melding with the previous flavors. Somewhat askew. Has it goes into the finish, a raw, very earthy, almost dirt, characteristic appears. This flavor is not so pleasant as it doesn't really blend with the previous flavors. I love Prairie Artisan Ales and I'm excited to have one of their glasses. Their beers are somewhat expensive, but I have enjoyed the experience trying them. This one is not to their standard. Above average, of course, but they themselves set this bar so high. This beer is probably not worth their elevated price.