First sip is much more approachable than most of the imperial stouts, as the chocolate doesn't just bring bitterness, but it brings a sweet relief when mixed with the vanilla. Is there orange in there like the can said? If there is, I don't taste it. It isn't like one of those chocolate oranges with a fine mixture of both - there are too many other ingredients struggling to be tasted.
Tip-in is syrup-thick chocolate, smoked grains, and what seems like a little bit of cherries. The middle sloshes on in with carbonation tingle in the back of the throat, orange is spritzed on the chocolate, grains, and vanilla; this is really smooth. The finish is a jab of bitterness before the chocolate and smoked grains trail off.
Bottom Line: One of the best imperial stouts I can remember having.
3.75/5