In a blind tasting by BJCP trained experts, this beer rated
80
Mikkeller Black
Aroma: “Herbal, tea-like notes, medium chocolate, a little bit of coffee, and a lot of alcohol. Herbal and catty with a touch of skunk. The roast flavors do not present themselves in a big way in the aroma.”
Flavor: “Sweet mocha malt character with a smoked pork–like note. Moderate roast with a touch of astringency. Slight lactose consistency. Alcohol is over the top and extends into the aftertaste. Big roasty flavors, bitter and a bit burnt. Hops flavor is resinous, sticky, and catty—not exactly complimentary to the strong malt notes.”
Overall: “High alcohol with chocolate and roast notes. Roast flavors explode out of the glass. Hops flavors are not the best match for the roast/alcohol balance. The skunky and catty notes are so prominent that it tastes as if it were dry-hopped with marijuana.”