Subtlety isn’t this beer’s strong suit, which is a great thing for big beer drinkers! The opening salvo of aromatics includes a complex blend of vanilla, toast, coffee, green wood, and chocolate. Alcohols build as it warms and add to the complexity.
The beer pours a dark mahogany, but it is still (surprisingly) quite clear, with a low tan head that is fairly persistent.
The flavor is intensely oaky and pleasantly boozy (not hot, though). A rich cherry flavor adds to those noted in the aroma, and the moderate roast doesn’t quite hold up to the sweetness imparted by the alcohol. The finish is balanced with a tannic and oaky aftertaste.
The beer is a rich, syrupy, complex, alcoholic punch in the palate. It can definitely stand up to some aging, and would be a great one to cellar for a few years. Like many great wines, it’s a bit intense when fresh, and might put some off, but there’s no doubt that this is an outstanding beer and not for the faint of heart.