It says that it's a black ale, but I can attest that that is not the correct color. Instead, it is a dark caramel that it edges toward brown. The very light tan head boils away slowly, and it leaves some lacing on the side as it goes. The medium to small bubbles maintain a consistent layer across the top of the beer once it has settled. The aroma is caramel malt and what seem to be floral hops with brown sugar and some dark fruit.First sip is not what I expected. I expected pretty much a pale ale with maybe some hops in it. What I'm actually getting is scorched grains that should really have turned this beverage into the black of darkest night. It's not the only taste, but it is the predominant taste, and that is what winds up coming out when all you have is a sip. This is why I don't judge beers based on a sip. I have to imagine there's more to this beer then just something that the brewers set on fire.
Tip-in is very light carbonation with roasted oats over flowers and scorched maple. The middle is where the beer really hits a stride as dark fruits come up from the depths with plums and raisins at the fore; the caramel malt comes up to meet what was charred maple, and it soothes the mouth as it goes. The finish is where the burning gets a little too much, and smoke and bitterness overtake the sangfroid middle in a wave of chaos and corruption.
Bottom Line: It has some charm at its heart, and that endears it to me a little.
2.25/5
