12oz bottle-pours a dissipating brown head and midnight black color. Aroma is dark malt-licorice, anise, woody, acidic, alcohol, chocolate, some dark fruit. Taste is very malty dark malt-chocolate/roasty/licorice. Smooth with acidity and alcohol held in check. Mild carbonation. Occasional.

Bottle from 2006 and trade courtesy of jjpm74; Looked exceptional as i poured it; cherry walnut in color with cherry edges and a small cinnamon-tan head which left light lacing; Nose of coffee and chocolate;flavor of peppery spices, chocolate, and coffee in a medium body.

12 ounce bottle from Julios - Nice bottle and label, although that does make this beer fall a bit into gimmick territory (however, it did get me to dish out the seven bucks for it) - VERY thick black pour, with a small brown ring of lace - a little bit of light gets through, but not much - intense aroma of bitter coffee, black cherry, blueberry and roasted malts - oily mouthfeel, with soft carbonation - oatmeal stout creaminess, mingling with strong, espresso bitterness - anise, berries, black cherries, dried raisins, all mix with a medium sweetness that is tempered quite nicely with the roasted and bitter qualities of the beer - finishes with lingering sweetness and notes of tobacco and brown sugar - while intense and heavy, it never seems over the top - this is one of the best new imperial stouts I’ve had in quite some time - even at 7 bucks a bottle I’m sorry i didn’t buy more - for once, I’d say believe the hype.

Pours deep black into a snifter. Cocoa and coffee aromas. Mocha head with excellent retention leaves no lacing. Sharp carbonation with slightly sour upfront chocolate and a lasting bitter espresso finish.