2006 bottle drunk on 11/3/06
Dark chocolate colored body has some tawny highlights on the edges and seems clear (and filtered) when held to the light. Light tan head is initially medium in height but recedes steadily to partial cover, providing no lacing.
Dry vanilla emerges, timidly from the glass, wrapped about by a sticky, though light, caramel sweetness. Some cola notes and an almost carbonic edge (LOTS of carbonation in the liquid) are dry through the middle, while a washed out roastiness, more reminiscent of tar and tobacco ash sit starkly on the end. An odd, lightly sourish note of cherry-vanilla, not terribly sweet collects on the nose as well. Not sure what to think. The roast seems harsh, poorly executed and the rest of the beer just seems to lack for true maltiness. No alcohol in the nose, medium to medium-low aroma strength.
Light sugariness perks up in the flavor, and an odd meaty-like flavor of sourdough and buttercream is apparent. Vanilla is dry again, with a strange (phenolic?)-like spicy/pepperiness that might be perceived as anise or black pepper. It diminishes the already weak amount of malt flavor (dry, hard crystal maltiness) and quickly transitions in to a char/black, dark roast finish (overdone chocolate and/or black malt in the grain bill). Not overly strong, but there is just so little else there to balance. The odd sweet-and-sour meatiness never leaves on further sips, and the vanilla just seems out of place, as do most of the other flavors here. Overly loose, artificial carbonation and a watery, lean texture. No alcohol noted.