Sierra Nevada Barrel-Aged Narwhal Imperial Stout

The Sierra Nevada Brewing Company is from Chico, California. They took their Narwhal Imperial Stout and aged it in whiskey barrels, resulting in this 12.9% ABV gem. 

The beer pours black. There is a half-inch of light tan head. The aroma is whiskey, vanilla, sweet, dark roasted char, dark chocolate, coffee. The taste follows the aromas, hitting all of the same notes, lots of whiskey, sweetness, and dark roasted malt notes. Despite the sweetness, it finishes just this side of dry thanks to an oaky astringency. The beer drinks smooth and soft, with a tingling of carbonation. This is a nice one!