Aroma: “Big, rich dark and milk chocolate, with vanilla, light roast, and pear fruity esters. Light capsicum, cinnamon, a hint of ginger, and a touch of cayenne. Caramel notes and a clean ferment.”

Flavor: “The chocolate is quite high and works with the vanilla to soften the spiciness. Where the nose emphasized cacao nibs and caramel, the flavor is more like bittersweet dark chocolate. The bitterness fades into roast malt, but there is a little roughness in the transition. The cayenne and cinnamon are nicely restrained, and the cinnamon and ginger are more in the swallow and aftertaste. Finishes slightly on the sweet side.”

Overall: “Hits all the notes for a mole stout and is definitely a dessert beer. It’s a nicely executed Mexican chocolate stout—nothing really sticks out, but all the right pieces are there. The spicing is well-done—they’re present, but not overdone. The dark chocolate is creamy and very smooth.”