The color is a dark, dark brown with a bit of an amber hue. The head is thick and manly. The aroma is nutty and malty. It's not sour, and it's not sweet - I'm struggling to figure out what exactly it is. It's strong, and I would have to say that it has some coffee roasting smell, but it's light enough to not be off-putting.
First sip is not as bad as I feared. It isn't what I would call good, but it's not terrible. I can imagine someone who likes brown ales thinking this is a bit of all right, but I'm not that guy. The nuts put an odd flatness in the flavor that has a background of bitter coffee and an unsweet caramel. The sip isn't good, but I happen to know that sometimes a proper drink can fix what a sip implies is wrong.
Tip-in is a subtle nutty flavor with some carbonation coming along for the ride. The middle shoves the carbonation right up to the roof of the mouth and holds it there. As the finish hits, the caramel taste comes on, and it isn't as bitter as it was before... and then the taste turns to coffee with the harsh bitterness in the trailing moments.
Bottom Line: Nope. not a fan.
1.25/5