Aroma: “Very mild nose. A light touch of camphor, with a hint of chocolate underneath. A sweet blend of vanilla and cinnamon, with a touch of cayenne. Very light earthy hops, fruity esters of pear and cherry, with notes of citrus and caramel.”

Flavor: “Sweet malt and chocolate up front, but that quickly gives way to the spice from the cinnamon and cayenne. A quick prick of chile heat doesn’t linger overly long. The hops bitterness is moderate. Some vanilla notes and roast, with malt, toffee, and chocolate malt. The carbonation is a bit high, accenting the spice notes, and some more body on the beer would help round things out. Chocolate, cinnamon, and warming alcohol linger into the aftertaste.”

Overall: “A big spice winter stout that’s sweet, warming, and even boozy. Has elements of a rum-soaked fruitcake. The chile and spice heat is nicely restrained, and works well with the chocolate in the finish. Doesn’t quite add up to full complexity.”