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Pours a dark, nearly opaque seal brown body with a good retention to the slim, custard head. Aroma is laced with big notes of dark chocolate, vinous oaken wood, dark fruit, and earthen hops.

Taste is a bit dryer that I'd expected, but delivers a flavorful burst of chocolate, dark rum, black cherry, caramelized sugar, and a kiss of soil. Hops and Baker's chocolate linger into the finish, as the medium-thick body and low carbonation level make this beer dangerously easy to drink. Overall, a solid Imperial Stout worthy of the Freetail name, but I'm not sure if it will achieve the "beer geek" status level that it appears to seek.

Served In: Other

A - Pours produces a small quarter inch head of cocoa colored foam made up of small bubbles. This quickly recedes, leaving a very thick bead around the edges, particularly to one side. Body is super dark brown, almost black and completely opaque.

S - Lots of roastiness here. Cocoa and baker's chocolate. Maybe a touch of espresso. Leather buried deep in the background.

T - Much sweeter than I expected from the aroma. Sweetness hits right away with both milk chocolate and star anise. Touch of roastiness in the back. Maybe a bit smoky? Lactose becomes stronger after a few more sips, which does sort of make it drink easier than the 10.2% abv would suggest.

M - This is probably my biggest complaint on this beer. It's much thinner than I would like, especially from such a high alcohol beer. Medium bodied even. It cuts down on perceived richness of the beer.

Overall - This is a good Impy Stout, but it just doesn't stand out from the crowd. Chocolate flavors are good.

Served In: Snifter