Available March to April. An amplified robust porter with a deep black color, a roasty malt flavor and a rich malt sweetness that’s smooth and drinkable. A hearty cellar beer.
Beer Ratings and Reviews:
[1] Review by Sap from Tucson, AZ, USA who has tried this beer once. (12/6/2007 9:25:21 PM)
"2007 Release Sampled December 2007
A vigorous pour produces a frothy, tightly beaded, initially three-finger thick, brownish tinged, dark tan colored head that sits atop an opaque, basically black colored brew. The head leaves some delicate lacing as it slowly recedes. Distinctively fruity smelling (though not dominantly), aromas of concentrated raisin, fig, brandy like notes and perhaps a touch of cherry are all here, though they have all been slightly burnt. Concentrated malt aromatics contribute the noticed fruit notes, but it also produces notes of dark chocolate, black coffee and huge toasted malt aromatics. The aroma is so smooth and so rich and satiating; I am quite impressed how rich, yet not overly burnt this beer smells.
Slightly sweet, but not nearly as much as I had expected. The beer has a medium fullness to it that is not quite rich. Ample roasted malt flavors of black coffee, slightly acidic espresso, bitter dark chocolate, and a burnt grain husk character all play a big role. At times this reminds me of a coffee liquor (though one that is not all that sweet). Some dusty cocoa notes, warming, almost hot, alcohol that combines with that roast acidity in the finish contribute to some disjointed flavors. Not quite as rich and smooth as I was hoping it would be; at times a really good chocolate flavor & aroma are noticeable, but at other times it can be overwhelmed by slightly harsh / sharp notes.
The flavor is more roast / burnt dominated than the aroma and is not nearly as smooth. I have a hard time distinguishing this from a strong stout, at least based on the flavor. After my nose has acclimated a bit, even the aroma becomes a bit harsher. Still a tasty beer and it definitely hits the spot when looking for a big, darkly roasted malty beer.
Purchased: Plaza Liquors, Tucson AZ"
Aroma:
7/10
Appearance:
8/10
Mouthfeel:
6/10
Flavor:
7/10
Overall:
7/10
Final Rating, by Style:
(3.5)
Sampled: Bottle Sample Size: 22oz @ $3.99 Unit Cost: $2.9 per Pint
[2] Review by bfeldmann from Wilmington, DE, USA who has tried this beer once. (11/8/2007 7:57:33 AM)
"Poured a dark brown small head. ARoma was of black licorice and chocolate. Flavor was much the same roastedness to it, dark fruits Solid beet not overly complex, but very very good. "
Aroma:
9/10
Appearance:
7/10
Mouthfeel:
8/10
Flavor:
8/10
Overall:
9/10
Final Rating, by Style:
(4.1)
Value of this beer for its style: Not Sure Compared to this brewer's other beers: Not Sure
[3] Review by doulos31 from Middletown, DE, USA who has tried this beer once. (10/21/2007 10:23:14 PM)
"Dark as night pour, with smallish head and lacing. Aroma was chocolate and coffee. Strong roasted malts, high bitterness, coffee and chocolate...alcohol flavor was prevalent and burning, not in a total pleasant way. The problem was the astringent acidity that went along with it. Good, but not great. Thanks to eaglefan538 for sharing."
Aroma:
8/10
Appearance:
6/10
Mouthfeel:
7/10
Flavor:
7/10
Overall:
7/10
Final Rating, by Style:
(3.5)
Sampled: Bottle
Value of this beer for its style: Not Sure
[4] Review by eaglefan538 from DE, USA who has tried this beer once. (10/21/2007 9:59:17 PM)
"Bottle from Topps in Tempe. The pour was dark deep brown-black, very thin initial head, no lacing, only spotty bubbles on the glass edges. The aroma was roasted choco-coffee, bubblegum, licorice. The flavor was roasted choco-coffee, bubble gum, licorice, faint dark fruits, all with a dry, lightly bitter finish. A very nice brew, wonderfully blended, nothing sticky about this one, yet very full of flavor, diverse, smooth."
Aroma:
9/10
Appearance:
7/10
Mouthfeel:
9/10
Flavor:
9/10
Overall:
10/10
Final Rating, by Style:
(4.4)
Sampled: Bottle Sample Size: 22oz @ $3.99 Unit Cost: $2.9 per Pint
[5] Review by Clash from Chattanooga, TN, USA who has tried this beer once. (5/6/2007 6:54:43 PM)
"A dark brown black apperance with a beige head. The aroma is mainly chocolate and coffee. The flavor consists of chocolate, coffee, and some sour grapes. A bitter finish. Overall it was good. "
Aroma:
8/10
Appearance:
8/10
Mouthfeel:
7/10
Flavor:
8/10
Overall:
7/10
Final Rating, by Style:
(3.8)
Sampled: Bottle
Value of this beer for its style: Not Sure
Do you want to see the rest of the reviews? Sign In or Register FREE! = BeerPals Only
Review this Beer:
You must be a member to write a review. Please sign up or log in.
(3.5)
