Aroma: “Heavy roast up front, with a touch of ash and smoke. Some chocolate, toffee, and coffee notes are present, as well as a really nice earthy, woodsy flavor that emerges as it warms. Some fruity yeast esters of banana, dark cherry, stone fruit, and pear. Some rich malt and bread crust, with black licorice and molasses.”

Flavor: “Similar to the aroma with its heavy roast, but that’s kept in check with some nice dark malt sweetness. Dark chocolate and light vanilla, with some dark cherry, raisin, earthy, and herbal notes, add complexity. The body is smooth and velvety, and it’s rich and chewy throughout. There’s a nice huskiness from the roasted malt that offsets the conspicuous heat from the alcohol, but it’s the chocolate flavor that pulls everything together. Finishes with light bitterness, medium smoke, and big chocolate.”

Overall: “This is a delicious beer that slightly tweaks convention and creates a unique and awesome beer. It’s a pretty solid imperial stout—not offensive for the high alcohol, and all the dark roasty components come together fairly well. It will hold up to the richest of desserts or the boldest of cigars. Definitely a sipper!”