Goose Island's Bourbon County Barleywine Ale

A few weeks ago I was enjoying some fine ales & lagers at Yia-Yia's with my two youngest sons and ordered a round of Bourbon County Stout. Alas, they had only two bottles left, which I passed on to the youngsters and enjoyed a Bourbon County Barleywine instead. This wonderfully stimulating brew poured such a deep, dark, mahogany, that it looked black at first, surprising for a barleywine, which tend to be a lot more transparent and usually a lighter hue. As with their stout, there is a distinct taste of the residual bourbon, even though they specifically state that it's third use barrels that they use to age the ale in. The bourbon imparts a velvety smoothness and brings out notes of figs, cranberries, dates and raisins - the dark fruits, and even a little apricot. As it warms up I detect vanilla, coffee, and a bit of chocolate. A very complex beverage.