Eel River Brewing 'Twenty' 20th Anniversary Bourbon Barrel Aged Triple Exultation Old Ale. Vintage 2015. 11% abv. 80 IBU. Dark ruby color. Hazy. Fine sediment. Finger of foamy beige head that falls fast to a sustaining collar. Fair retention, excellent lacing. 

Nose of molasses, bourbon, vanilla, sweet bread. Front taste is molasses, bourbon, roasted oak, pungent plum. Aftertaste is bourbon, raisin, plum, black coffee, pecans. Dry finish. Full body. Mouthfeel is hot, boozy, astringent, thick, syrupy, sticky, clingy.

This is an extraordinary BBA brew, a decadent offering that demands moderate enjoyment. You don't chug this one. Rich, thick, tall, strong. Starts sweet, ends dry. Plenty of bourbon and oak as promised, bound by dark malty and fruity depths. Wonderful. This is what a BBA should be. Strongly recommended.

From the brewery:

"Our Triple Exultation Old Ale aged 6 months in single pass, white oak bourbon barrels. Rich notes of bourbon, toffee, toasted malt and ripe fruit balanced by an aroma reminiscent of vanilla, oak, molasses, and caramel."

[source: bottle]

Rocky Patel 'Catch 22' Toro. 6x52. Roasted brown wrap with darker shades. Good construction with some veins. Nice straight lines. Good cut and light. Easy draw throughout, pre- and post-light. First half tastes of walnut, roasted dark leaf, earthy exhale. Second half is light wood, mild herbal spice. Burn was somewhat even though it did take some careful turning. Ash was clean and marbled well, light gray with spots of darker ash.

This is a nice smoke. It's well crafted with a smooth draw and decent burn, with a pleasant mild nutty taste with a background faint spice. A good value cigar from a premium cigar maker. Well recommended.

From the company:

"Catch 22 is a well-balanced medium-bodied cigar. A solid earthy core is accompanied with flavors of cocoa as well as a lingering sweetness."

[source: rockypatel.com]

The burn required some careful maintenance, but was mostly even throughout.