First sip is smokey and not nearly as bitter as I expected. Instead, it's well balanced and very smooth. The coffee and chocolate I smelled are muted, and there is more of a citrus and somewhat floral taste. It's very good. A full draught might make it great.
Tip-in is very gentle carbonation and smokey raisins. The middle hits the back of the throat and grates the tongue with the bark of a tree. It's unsubtle, but it's not off-putting. The finish is almost anti-climactic with its notes of chocolate and coffee and molasses, but they are all very gentle, and they drift off like they just don't care.
Bottom Line: An excellent beer. It could use a bit of refinement, but it is very good.
4.0/5