Mon Jun 20, 2005 2:20 am
750 ml. green champagne bottle. No freshness date seen, but none needed either. The lights in the room dimmed as this beer poured out. It is black as ink. Not brown, BLACK ! No light escapes this beer whatsoever. Straight slam into my stout glass only produces a slight medium brown head. It does leave a decent lacing, but the head is very thin. Aromas right off the bat are of coffee, roasted malts, alcohol, biscuity, yeasty aromas as well. Slight aromas of piney hops are way off in the background. Rich mouthfeel, thick and viscous. Tastes are of expresso, and french roasted coffees. Thick malts back up the coffee, and the hops make a slight appearance towards the end. Sort of like drinking strong coffee, with a shot of whiskey in it. Alcohol is very warming, but not overpowering in it's presence. Slight charcoal finish to it. Finishes dry as a bone. Outstanding effort on Alesmiths part. Alcohol tastes are well hidden. This beer is dangerously drinkable.
