I did a side-by-side tasting, so I'm going to do an intentional double-post in both Chriso's and Evan!'s threads.
First impressions:
All – dark, nearly jet black color with deep tan head. Ruby highlights when held to the light. Poured at 52°F and warmed about 10° before the end of the tasting.
Chriso:
Medium head, somewhat large bubbles, diminished quickly. Little to no lacing.
Nice aroma – sweet chocolate background with roasted malt most prevalent.
Pleasant chocolate and roastiness up front. Not as complex as the others – the flavor remains fairly constant across the tongue until the finish. Acrid tannin flavor at the end.
Nice, creamy mouthfeel. Well carbonated.
Evan!:
Lots of head, very persistent. Great lacing.
Very rich aroma. Lots of sweet chocolate, vanilla, and coffee. Most inviting of the three.
Sweet vanilla, chocolate, and toffee up front, then toasted nuts. Not as roasty as the others. Balanced bitterness. Hints of raisin after a few sips.
Very creamy, carbonated perfectly. Velvet.
Yuri:
Slightly darker than the others, making it VERY black. Medium head, very fine and dense bubbles, diminished quickly. Slight lacing.
Aroma much like Chriso's, but with dark raisin/plum notes added.
Nice chocolate and roasted coffee up front. Raisin and molasses as it washes back. Assertive bitterness at the finish.
Smooth and creamy. A bit undercarbonated.
Final impressions:
Evan!'s was the sweetest and easiest to drink (either the highest FG or the best water profile management). SWMBO really liked the dark fruit notes in mine. The acrid bitterness in the finish of Chriso's made it a bit rough overall, though it was still a pretty good beer. Chriso and Evan!, the 888's were easily the best of the beers you sent.
All – quite similar beers, but subtle variations made for rather different experiences with each. All of the beers hid the high ABV quite well – no alcohol aroma or burn. The recipe is a sure winner, though I'll probably cut the bittering hops slightly if (when) I brew it again. I really enjoyed this tasting session. Easily an award winning RIS, IMHO!
Left to right: Chriso, Evan!, Yuri