Nervously approaching this one, as I don't much care for barley wine styles or many barrel aged beers either. It fills a glass with a cloudy, rich copper red. The head forms nicely but fades off quickly leaving a thin foam layer with some lacing. Initially all I could smell was rye barrel scent and I was disheartened. I let it sit a minute or two while I gathered my nerve and prepared myself. Next nasal approach revealed a deep caramel with an almost chocolatey note, boozyness, that barrel scent, possibly some vanilla, and a distinct rye aroma. Interested and with rising hope I dump some on my tongue. Yep lovely rich caramel, kind of vanilla, major booze, rye along with the spiciness it imparts, and yes that gnarly barrel taste I don't like. Blasphemy in some circles I'm sure. Rich smooth and kind of creamy. Full of body and flavour. I must admit if it wasn't for that whiskey taste I'd absolutely be in love with this thing. So bonus points Steamworks. I like it in spite of my tastebuds.