8/10
—
Appearance 8
Aroma 8
Flavor 8
Texture 8
Overall 8
Ashland draught 4/18/25.
Dark mahogany with dark chestnut highlights. Clear. Small, creamy, dark beige head. Decent retention.
They definitely got a lot out of the malt. It's not bursting forth with aromatics, probably on account of the nitro treatment, but as it warms and breathes, you get chocolate rye, raisin, cinnamon, pumpernickel...not just a nose of roast/caramel/chocolate. Clean, no booze.
In the mouth it's equally vibrant with more of the same. Rich chocolate with spicy rye-like notes, mild roast and mild dark fruit. Vanilla, more dark bread and raisin on the finish. Medium body, ample for its size and strength. Good attenuation. Very polished.