First sip is earth, wood and smoke. I don't taste any of the chocolate that I smelled, and the effect of the sip is that it reminds me of a campfire in the middle of the woods. It almost makes me wish I had some marshmallows to toast and compliment this beer the right way. But, I'm an adult now, so let's drink like an adult.
Tip-in is very carbonated all over (which seems strange) and just the smokey malt. It's a good enough start, but the middle comes in to compliment with earth and the charred oak. It's enjoyable, but I sense something coming down the road for the finish that might take a turn. Sure enough, the finish arrives with a bitterquake and a less pleasing tartness.
Bottom Line: It has promise, but it didn't get to where it needed to go.
1.75/5