Appearance - 10 | Aroma - 7 | Flavor - 7 | Texture - 8 | Overall - 7

January 2005 draught. Completely opaque black with a head that is produced only when vigorously swirling the glass. When held to the light, it is still mostly black, with a dark, dark chestnut brown peeking through on the edges. Quite unfiltered. Aroma of licorice root, anise, some light hops and dry molasses. Flavor is dry, with plenty of dark notes: black strap molasses, black malt, anise, roasted malt, baker’s chocolate. Despite all of that, it’s not too dry and bitter. An English sort of consistency, that is to say, slightly watery and a very smooth mouthfeel. Dark, complex flavors swirl about the palate. Light, nutty hops on the finish with a drying effect from something I can’t pinpoint. Was looking for the smoke, but didnt find much. Maybe a fleeting instance of salitiness, or was that just some sweet brown malt and yeast mixed together? One of my favorites from my recent trip there.