Jeepers this is big. Heaps of aniseed, raisins, chocolate, cream and a little coffee and burnt toast. Plenty of alcohol, but it's the cream and chocolate that linger, leaving a beautiful aftertaste.

From a 375ml can on 1/9/2019 (can says refrences 2019, ABV 12% rather than 11.7%). Pours a deep brown with little head. Smells of chocolate, licorice, molasses, with a touch of booze. The flavours are roasty and charred malt with a decent dash of choc and caramel sweetness. There's also brown sugar, treacle and more licorice, finishing with a quite roasty, slightly burnt bitterness. A bit boozy but still very drinkable for the size. The palate is thick and a touch oily, thr carbonation a little more lively than typical for the style. Not super exciting or revolutionary, but a pretty solid fireside sipper.

[7/17] Can. 10C, I was happier as it warmed. Black with a small tan head that’s soon less than a coat but never quite goes. Rich mocha fudge aroma with hints of oranges, cardamon and mace. Nice but not very assertive. Sweet but short of cloying with lots of chocolate, some bread. Modest but distinct roast. Teensy bit of Ribena. Bitterness really creeps up after a while but although it becomes prominent it isn’t harsh and the hop aromatics are complementary. Warming throughout but there’s no raw booze. Not the most thrilling big stout but solid and nicely balanced. $A25 a 4pk for a good beer of this strength is pretty much unheard of. [3.7]2018 version is 12% ABV. Aroma again is quite subdued. Seems to have less body. Lots of oranges and spices - you'd almost think there was some peel in it. Quite hoppy with bitterness that scythes through and tropical (lychee) as well as spicy notes. Less of a stout but more intriguing than last time.