On draught @ Bukowski’s Tavern, Cambridge MA, January 2005. Served in a very broad chalice. Quite a deep black, the head has almost completely disipated by the time the beer even makes it to my table. Smells of lightly salty chocolate and caramel. Some dryish toffee notes in there, and just a soft subtle roast lying in the background. Flavor begins quite sweet, but balanced immediately by a strong yeast presence, some lightly oily, dry roast and a touch of hops. Through the body, it is mainly caramel and chocolate malt, with the sweet vanilla and slight oak notes others have mentioned. Ends chocolatey, yeasty and with a hint of light mocha. Very low carbonation, medium body, especially relative to style, but still a very flavorful rendition. Many similarities to Old Rasputin.