It pours black – there is no other way to describe it. Just black. There is a three finger thick, foamy tan head. Excellent retention. Down to one inch after about a minute which held for several minutes after. Excellent patchy lacing is left all over the snifter. Rich and complex aroma of dark roasted malts, rich coffee, dark chocolate, and woody bourbon notes that have a bit of an alcohol burn to them. The first sip makes it immediately clear that the taste is as complex as the aroma. Absolutely delicious. The roasted malt backbone is definitely present and layered on top are rich luxurious coffee and bitter dark chocolate. There is the light touch of vanilla and a notable presence of oak and tannins in the character. It is has a long, dry finish that is actually quite bitter. The alcohol warming sensation is long present after the swallow. It is full bodied, smooth, and a bit oily. The carbonation is light with small streams of bubbles heading for the surface throughout the experience. This is the perfect beer to pour in a snifter and park yourself by a fire on a cold day like today. Don’t pass this one up if you see it.