Draught pint at Redbones on 12/5/06
Unfortunately, the tan-beige colored head immediately fizzles to nothing, leaving a rather still-looking glass of opaque or near-opaque black liquid. I’ll chalk it up to pressurization at the bar or the glass (though this is almost never the case at Redbones), as this beer was anything but problematic and I see no point in taking off points from an otherwise wonderful beer. Furthermore, I see plenty of scores showing quite the opposite experience of mine.
Sticky, vanilla flavored marshmallows rise up sweetly, dotted with sweet dates, light black cherries and the most subtle, yet noticeable, roastiness. Vinousness, bordering on liqueur-like flavors with anise and maybe some cocoa? Rich, unrelenting aroma (though it must be sniffed close to the glass). No off-flavors and quite the rollercoaster of sweet and dry flavors. Fruity and sweet at times, to spicy and roasty with a broad range of complexities.
The flavor takes the aroma and personifies it tenfold. Especially upon warming, it’s just a wealth of rich flavors in the mouth. But as all good beers, it’s balanced as well. Lightly dry char and roast notes balance the sweet choco-caramel and vanilla notes. Dark fruits are perky on the edges and the body is soft, with a sticky, and at times, velvet-like texture. A very lovely anise note is well-placed and balances some fudginess. Coffee flavors are light and stay mostly out of the way, just adding a light complexity. The flavor is so strong and full, it coats the palate and lingers long, with no loose sections. Even undercarbonated, it hardly comes off loose, the malt just adding so much depth and texture. Chocolate-cherry-cola finish with balancing roastiness is phenomenal.

Black with brown head. Good chocolate malt nose and flavor with lots of hops and a dry finish