Crowler from Dogtap, Ellon. It pours clear darkest ruby with a thick, foamy tan head. The aroma is rich roasted malt, bitter - sweet, light vanilla, plenty of coffee, rich chocolate character, cookie dough and toasted nut. The taste is initially smooth, fairly thick, dark roasted malt, burnt toast, charred, bitterness which builds, some umami, toothy, tar, some dark/dried fruits, plenty of coffee, chocolate covered coffee beans, warming alcohol, oak tannin and muted vanilla with a smooth, dark roasted finish. Fulsome body and moderate, supportive carbon. Flavourful and nce balance. Not too sweet or artificial.

Keg at the source. Dark and inky. Foamy light beige head. Aroma has bitter instant coffee. Flavourwise it is then more interesting. A coffee streak buffets candy sugar and berry sweetness. The bitterness and sweetness provide a fulcrum for each other. Boozy warmth. Thick. Oily. Soft-fizzy carbonation. Long dry somewhat astringent finish. Enjoyable Baltic if at the sugary sweet end of the style.