On tap at Hamilton’s. Dark reddish-black. Aroma of toasted malt, bourbon, chocolate and coffee. Big bitter toasted malt and oak taste, with a hint of caramel sweetness. Lingering toasted bitterness. Not very mellowed for barrel-aged, but very tasty.

Tap at Beachwood BBQ. More or lessl black. Aroma of roasted malt and light bourbon. The bourbon comes through in the flavor, but does not overwhelm. It mixes nicely with roasted malt flavors, chocolate, and smoked malt. Smooth and creamy with a touch of alcohol in the body. Very enjoyable stuff.

Tasted on tap at the 2007 Pizza Port Strong Ale Festival. This American Strong Ale pours an eclipse black color from tap. Medium sized tan foamy head. Aroma is malty, chocolate, dark fruit and some bourbon. A medium bodied American Strong Ale. The malts are fruity and sweet, with a fairly sweet chocolate flavor as well. The hops are earthy and floral. Nice balance. There is a touch of barrel sweetness that adds to the overall flavor. Craftsman beers are always interesting. Mouthfeel is full. Finish is clean and smooth. Aftertaste is slightly sweet.

Draft. Rich mahogony beer with a light tan head. Rich caramel aroma with light smokiness and backing roast. Caramel, roast, slight smoke flavor with light citrus hop backing. Medium-plus body. Lingering caramel, roast, light coffee, smoke, and grapefruit. Nice.