2013 bottle, 13C. Hilariously cheesy label. Very dark brown, head is less than a full rim but there are a few lingering spots. Looks like there’s a lighter brown layer on the top of the beer. Aroma of brandy, dark fudge, mace; vanilla and whiskey seep through after a while along with some cherries and prunes. Oily with low carbonation - maybe a tad too low. Taste is at first very sweet and butterscotchy, then some burnt dark sugars, dried fruit and port, then sweetness gives way to lightening bitterness. Curiously, the overt spirit notes depart until right at the end, where there’s a booziness that’s mostly whiskey (with some vanilla, pepper and wood). The alcohol note doesn’t seem at all out of place. Was half expecting this to be complex without a theme, but it seems like a purposeful and judicious blend. Great with a foible or two.

Bottle. Pours black with a finger thick mocha head. Aroma is nicely sweet and bourbon laden, with notes of oak and red wine, as well as coffee, liquorice and some rubbery alcoholic whiffs. Full oily body with soft to flat carbonation. Flavour is sweet with lots of liquorice and nicely rounded bourbon and red wine notes, as well as some grainy oakiness giving a nice long sweet finish.

From a 12.5 oz bottle shared at home. Pours black with a tan head. Aroma of raisins, dark fruits and oak. Viscous mouthfeel with slight carbonation. Deep rich flavors of plums, dark cherries and raisins. Smooth boozy finish.