Virginia Distillery Co. Brewer's Coalition: Central Waters Brewing Co. Black Gold Imperial Stout Cask Finished, 50%,

This spent its first 5 years in bourbon barrels before being moved into barrels that previously held a seasonal barrel-aged imperial stout from a Wisconsin brewery. Pleasant mustiness floods the nose, overtaken by applesauce, caramel, malt, earth, cocoa powder, maple syrup, and marshmallow fluff. More warming flavors on the palate: heaps of baking and mulling spices meld with date cookies and powdered sugar. The finish is malt and dried-fruit forward, and has a touch of hazelnut.