Pint sampled at the brewpub. Sweet, milk chocolatey aroma with some light vanilla notes present. There are some light pine hops, in there as well. Moderately transparent dark brown/mahogany body with a frothy, creamy, light tan head that leaves nice lacing. Interesting, herbal, spicy start that becomes fruity in the middle. Plenty of black patent malt in this, which seems to destroy the palate and subtle flavors. As it warms, it does develop some more of the expected roasty chocolate malt characteristics, but it still has this fruitiness that is unsettling. Finishes with a significant piney hoppiness and ashy black malt bitterness. Unbalanced and not overly enjoyable.

Draft at the brewpub. Aroma of toasted malt, coffee and chocolate. All rather light because they serve it cold! Near opaque brown color with some ruby hilites. Decent light tan head that finely laced. Smooth. Medium body with fine, creamy carbonation. Starts with a burst of toasted malt and coffee. Lots of coffee, but little cocoa. There is a good amount of bitter - could be from burnt malt and hop - couldn’t specifically detect a hop flavor. The malt and coffee flavors last into the finish. Good drink.