This beer is a solid attempt at a Robust Porter, and doesn't give in to the temptation to overload it with hops to make it "big" enough to catch folks' attention.
It's a pretty beer: mahogany with ruby highlights and a low tan head. The initial aromas initially reminded me of popping open a can of cocoa powder, and the chocolate note was complemented by low perfumy alcohols and a touch of anise.
The flavor was a little less subtle, with a prominent roasty note that, while appropriate for the style, was still a little bit much for a full pint. Bittering was medium-low and offset by a sweet alcohol flavor, which lead to a semi-dry finish. No hop flavors were evident, and were either generally absent or overtaken by the roast.
This is a pretty good effort: Simple but effective.