Aroma: “Melanoidin malt notes dominate the aroma of toast and toffee. Rich, complex malt sweetness with date-like esters at the edges. Some cardboard or sherry oxidation. Earthy spice.”

Flavor: “Full, sweet malt fills the first sip. Decent malt profile, if a bit simple. Caramel, toffee, and hints of cocoa. Some cardboard and sherry aftertaste. Hops are sufficient to just balance the malt. Moderate alcohol drives the sweet finish.”

Overall: “A great after-dinner beer. The alcohol is a little hot and the flavor not quite as fresh as it could be. Alcohol persists into the aftertaste. A little past its prime, but otherwise a simple, solid interpretation of the style. Well-executed malt profile demonstrates complexity and richness.”