Aromas of chocolate, caramel and some toasty malt are followed by faint lemony citrus hops. A little roast and coffee in the background combine with strawberry esters as it warms up. This beer pours a hazy deep mahogany with burnished copper highlights and a light tan creamy foam cap. Chocolate and slight roastiness are quickly overtaken by the citrus hop flavor and firm hop bitterness. The hopping complements the malt as it remains balanced toward bitterness. The dry finish lingers with roast and resin well into the aftertaste. Medium body and moderate carbonation make for a smooth and creamy texture. This is a roller coaster ride that starts with the chocolate and roast before the lemony hops take over the palate. Never fear though – the hops, the chocolate and the roast reappear in the finish, and you won’t soon forget them.