Tap at Brewdog shepherds Bush collabfest 2022. A clear dark brown black coloured pour with no head. Aroma is semi sweet, parma violets, brown cinnamon, brown sugars, nutmeg. Flavour is composed of medium sweet, cinnamon powder, brown sugars, galangal, candied ginger, palate is semi sweet, sticky, mellow carbonation. Interesting, not that drinkable.

Keg at BD Soho, panda at home, 21/10/22. Lighter shade of black with a reddish glint topped with a fast collapsing khaki cap. Nose is sweet malts, cocoa powder, dried red berries, light sugars, plummy notes. Taste comprises chocolate sprinkle, herb, plummy tones, hint of ginger, light spice, dark malts, earthy, mellow roast. sprucey tones. Medium bodied with some oomph, fine carbonation, semi drying close with a light kiss of alcohol. It's okay if a little awkward and quite singing.

Keg draught at BrewDog Leicester. Ominous dark purplish brown and impenetrably cloudy with no head at all. Light aroma of balsamic vinegar, some stone fruit, perhaps a little bit of soy sauce. Taste is full of soy, Sesame, salt plum. Ginger? Am I imagining sushi here? Body is thin for the ABV and it's flat, flat, flat. But what an interesting journey this beer is. Glad to make my acquaintance with the brewery.

Keg at BD Inverurie. It pours darkest brown to black with minimal head. The aroma is tangy, juicy, obvious plummy vibes, date, raisin, black grape, jammy, saltiness, ume, savoury, salty edge and plain chocolate. The taste is smooth, tangy, juicy, ripe plum, date, dry toasted malt, nuttiness, ume, raisin, sultana, fruit cake, chocolate, toasted nut and umami with a toasty, charred finish. Medium body and fine, prickly carbonation. Has quite an interesting depth of flavour and balance. Grew on me for sure. Novel.