22oz from Bottletrek. Nice pour, fairly thick and chewy looking with a modest head, lively carbonation. The nose is invitingly roasty, even if less strong than I anticipated. Initial taste certainly suggests the dominant flavor of roasted malts, but it’s really only a suggestion, as there’s a strong tartness underneath. Could this be infected? Very few reviews note this, so I’m inclined to think this might be the case. It certainly cuts into and against the other admirable qualities, and makes it difficult to appreciate this per style (and I’m a big fan of the style). If I try another bottle and it turns out to be an infection, I’ll happily rerate. As is, a disappointment.

Bottle from Bottle Trek. Pours black with a good tan head. Sweetish toasted malt aroma with a little coffee. Full bodied with creamy carbonation. Flavor is sweetish toasted malt, very light coffee and chocolate. It’s mostly malt. Some hop balances things out somewhat at the finish. Pretty drinkable.

black, inky, viscous with a sandy tan head. excellent lacing. blackened bread aroma, some pickle vinegar. damn. thankfully that’s not carried into the flavor as all I get is an intense deep roast, more bread notes with a medium-heavy body that yields to a full bodied hop finish. hits several points very good.

Bomber thanks to BDR for this one. Pour is deep black with frothy tan head. Aromas of roasted malt, coffee, and chocolate. Flavor is mild with malt and coffee. The body was way too thin for a stout. Nothing special at all, just Ok

This black ale poured with a massive tan head that stayed for a while. The rye malt distinguishes this brew from other stouts in regard to flavor. There is some dark burnt chocolate, a bit of prune and a sour slightly metallic finish. It’s different and it’s pretty good except for the finish. I see that Retorp noticed that too.