First sip is... not like a beer. It's not like any ale I'm used to, and I'm not sure that's a good thing right now, as there is heavy alcohol just kind of dangling inside there with all those tastes and more. Honestly, there are too many different tastes in a simple sip to really figure out exactly what I'm tasting. It's like a big mixed drink that you would get at a bar - there are too many things added to figure out what each one is with a little taste. I'm taking a swig, dangit.
Tip-in is very raisin, and the sweet malt is covering what is only a telltale whiff of hops. The middle of the drink is light licorice, but a heavy, earthy, and grainy taste. The finish hits with a barley wine taste right across the soft palate. It hangs on with a vengeance.
It's not a bad beer, but it's probably too complex to the point that it hurts itself.
3.25/5