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Reviewed 9/23/2003 - Pours out a darkish used motor oil brown and settles in the glass as a dark tar-like black mass with a monster sized cocoa brown head solidly puffing up to over an inch from a vigorous pour to some loose rocky/lumpyness eventually fading down to a nice thin skim and very sticky thick and large webby lacing with little tiny dark tan specks of something in it; what the hell, unfiltered malt grains?
Smell has a nice rich deep roasted tone with some chocolate and molasses, dark licorice notes, light black peppery spice and light floral hops. Some alcohol shows up late as it warms. Taste of smooth leveled roasted malts, a calm, creamy, easy start, then some solidness and more deeper tones of the roast builds up mixing with a nice chocolateyness that helps add another yummy level as it retires some and begins the funky, but lovely finish with all sorts of fun things going on; light bitter floral hops, light peppered spice, some thick hazelnut-like notes, more sweeter toned chocolate with a bit of molasses and coffee. Leaves the tongue with a bit of a tingle and deep roasty sweetness lingers. Wow, what a finish! That really did it for me, if it weren't for the finish it would have been a little less enjoyable. Feel has a more lighter creamy front but really gains some substantial hold and fullness while maintaining its creamyness, and finishes strong with lots of goodness and interest. This is from last years(Nov. 02) batch, so its aged some and I think it really has matured into a wonderful warming stout. That nearly 8% ABV really sneaks in, as its incredibly drinkable and smooth, nothing overwhelming, calm and soothing, I just had to pop one open after a bad day; this hit the spot and now I'm a happy little boy again.

Served In: Pint Glass