Appearance - 6 | Aroma - 9 | Flavor - 8 | Texture - 8 | Overall - 8

Can pour into nonic pint glass from the brewery. Appearance is opaque black with dark brown at bottom of glass, no sparkle, less-than-finger-width beige head with poor retention and no lacing. Aroma is dark chocolate, rich roasted coffee and malts, lactose, hint of maple. Taste is roasted coffee and malts, lactose and mild maple syrup. Palate is medium-to-full bodied with smooth, thick texture, soft carbonation and bittersweet finish as taste. Overall, strong aroma and flavor (as always) with noticeable lactose for interest but maple is a bit muted. Strong.