Heavy Seas 25 by Heavy Seas Beer was judged as a Specialty Wood-Aged Beer, style category 33B per the 2015 BJCP Style Guidelines.

Savoring the aroma of this bold, over-the-top strong ale reveals some rich caramelly dark malts, traces of toffee, earthy hops, hints of vanilla, hints of dark dried fruit and a dash of oaky, rye spiciness. The alcohol is clean and not hot, harsh or solventy. The beer pours bright medium brown and the head dissipates with a quick fizz. This smooth drinker offers balanced caramel and toffee with a wide range of dark sugar notes and dark but not roasted malt with traces of rye spice in the background. The fermentation character provides some dark dried fruit notes. Hop flavors are earthy and provide a medium-low tea-like bitterness. The beer is deceptively smooth, well-balanced and medium-bodied for such a big beer. The alcohol is mildly warming and not hot or harsh. A faint astringent note from the barrels softens the touch of stickiness on the lips from the rich malts. This beer is exceptional in the can. I would like to see a bottle-conditioned version. I would buy at least 12 and drink one a year with close friends.