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Impenetrable blackness with a short cropping of dark tan thick foam that swifts away a bit quick. Oily, spotty lacing along with a few stretched out strings coat the glass well.

Aroma is deep and dark of raisin and currants slathered in a small amount of chocolate and roast. Not nearly as big as it could be, but pretty adequate and rounded well in its nature on the nose.

Flavors are much better and quite a bit more complexing then what the aroma would lead you to think. Upon first taste it speaks of what a good RIS should be. Very distinct currant, raisin, date deepened sweetness smoked with a slight char and peppery noting take a step forward. Milky dark chocolate fills in the rest as notes of cocoa powder, vanilla, coffee, and hops help add a nice dryness of cream.

Body is bold, smooth, quick, and frothy within a solid, bigger medium body. Keeps a solid tang of very deep and dark fruity sweetness all the while a complex balance of chocolate and subtle burnt roast keep it wrapped up into a nice drying finishing package of drinkable delight. Perhaps a bit more thickness would be in order, but it tends to fill the palate well enough with both flavor and body.

Could drink a few of these or more; or at least up until the 9.2% decides to take over. Which is nearly non-existant anywhere, so beware.
Sam Adams can proud of this one as it holds its own among many other RIS's out there.

Served In: Goblet