Mephistopheles' Stout

The aroma begins with rich, milk chocolate, ground cinnamon, warm iron and warm raisin oatmeal cookie characteristics, then it warms to show low-roasted game on a charcoal fire and balsamic vinegar.

A medium-brown head with mostly fine foam quickly falls but clings to the sides of the glass. The beer is opaque with reddish-brown highlights and fine carbonation beads rising up the sides of the glass.

The flavor begins as dark chocolate syrup, vanilla crystal sugar and low, dried cocoa nibs with a drying, cocoa powder finish. On the second sip, the flavor of warm graham crackers dipped in dark chocolate with fire-roasted marshmallows coats my mouth. The aftertaste is clean, dry and crisp, with moderate roasted venison, cocoa nib and espresso grind bitterness. Bitterness and a strong, warming alcohol mouthfeel detract from its otherwise smooth drinkability. Aging this behemoth at least a year would allow the alcohol heat to mellow further.