Aroma: “A rich roast malt, with licorice and coffee, and a hoppy backbone. Cherry esters with dark sweet cherry, and perhaps some date and prune notes are present as well. Woody, earthy hops aroma, with tobacco and leather. A hint of sweetness makes this smell like a Tootsie Roll.”

Flavor: “Big and sweet, like a malted milk ball. Moderate mocha flavor, with a good balance of chocolate and coffee, with a bit of char present. Some dark stone fruit sweetness of dried cherry and chocolate peek through to bring some balance. The hops bitterness is medium and balanced, perhaps a bit stronger than I’d expect. The body is a little thin, with strong alcohol warmth, which lingers on the back of your throat. A bit harsh on the finish.”

Overall: “Assign your favorite synonym for massive—this is a big, viscous (or vicious?) stout that’s just for sipping. Still, it’s fairly smooth. Starts with a nice complex aroma and flavor, but shifts to being a bit over-roasted, to the point of being burnt. A very tasty beer.”