The differences between this wine barrel aged version and the stand alone stout are many, immediate, and quite jarring. If you need proof that beer put into good wood can mellow and evolve radically, then taste this and the standard 'Black Hole' side by side for a truly eye opening experience. The nose here is all sorts of delicious earthy vegetables and dank mustiness. On the tongue, the dryness and bitter grip of red wine tannins are unmistakable.