A classic imperial stout, such as Sans Pardon, is perfect for aging in Bourbon barrels. The coffee and chocolate flavors complement perfectly with the Bourbon/whiskey flavors of the barrel. Unfortunately, we are not the only brewery in the world to find this, and we are far from the Bourbon production region (Kentucky). So it is not easy, let alone cheap, to get good, freshly emptied Bourbon barrels. Occasionally we do manage, and then it's a matter of having a new batch of Sans Pardon ready as soon as possible, which is allowed to extract the flavors and aromas from the barrels for a year. The results have been and continue to be great; witness a first place and a shared first place at the Zythos Beer Festival consumer trophy in 2022 and 2023.