Black Tuesday

The nose registers oxidative notes of earthy malt, sherry, raisins, plums, figs, rum, alcohol and toffee followed by hints of caramel, brown sugar and minerals. Check out the viscous legs on the side of the glass when the dark brown, shadowy beer is poured into an oversized snifter. A thin layer of foam struggles to emerge. When swished around the palate, warm flavor notes of spice, pepper, molasses, sorghum, overripe fruit, treacle, chocolate, cherries and licorice materialize. The oak barrel tone comes across in a big way, with vanilla, port wine, sherry and wood resins being noticeable. Like a sweet, viscous port wine, the medium/full body gives way to a lingering, slightly sweet, burnt sugar, alcoholic finish that could perhaps benefit from a touch more roasted malt and body for the style.