Bottle from HoTM. It pours sheet black with a small, bubbly tan head. The aroma is rich and intoxicating, rather fruity, bitter - sweet, stewed brambles, fig, currants, dandelion & burdock, jam, toasty, charred oak, umami, liquorice, toasted fruit cake and some fruity whisky. The taste is initially slick and oily, but drys out, toothy, chewy, bitter - sweet, charred oak, rich roast, umami, coffee beans, cacao nibs, plenty of tangy dark and dried fruits, bramble, raspberry, chocolate dipped cherry, splash of Dr Pepper, rather jammy, vanilla, rocky road, pipe tobacco, chocolate bourbons and only a hint of that 14% alcohol warmth. Dry is chocolatey cherries. Medium to fulsome body and well appointed but mellow carbonation. Lovely depth of flavour and someone remains very drinkable. Nice classic style De Struise dark beer.

3rd July 2023
Thanks to Col for the panda. Almost clear deep brown beer, short lived bubbly tan head. Palate is pretty light for its hefty abv, it's mildly dry and delivers decent fine carbonation. Mellow dark malts, a sweetish dark chocolate. Estery spirits, fruity and fairly bright. Finishes smooth with some mild boozy spice and more sweet fruits. Nice job. Sweetish but layered. I'm gonna guess the mystery barrel is a sherry job last filled with a smooth whiskey. Nice!