Pours a very near black garnet with a small beige froth. Semi-sweet fruity aroma of light roasted coffee, creamy chocolate, light smoke and raisins. Super smooth mellow flavor, I can imagine this is what a traditional english porter tasted like. Subdued rich glassy malts, touch of sweet caramel, light chocolate & raisins, ever so subtle coffee and fruity hops, slightly sour. A complex beer where all the parts work in harmony to create a unified flavor. Medium body, soooo smooth and glassy with the faintest carbonation.

Poured a really rich deep dark drown with a brown head. Aroma was heavy roasted malts, fruit and chocolate. Flavor was more of the same. Super smooth and a very easy drinker. This was a really nice beer.

Bottle (in NZ), pours a deep mahogany brown with a light tan head. A strong fruity aroma, some caramal malt, spicy and a whiff of alcohol. Good fruit mouthfeel, with smooth caramal and toasted malt. The swallow thins out the palate, there’s a touch of metallicness before drying out nicely with increased hop bitterness that leaves you wanting more. It’s clear why this has been a winner.

Date: 06/20/2008
Mode: Bottle
Source: Tasting, Cellar Party

Appearance: clear dark brown, wispy beige head,
Aroma: dry chocolate and caramel aroma, light smokey character,
Flavor: rich chocolate flavor, mostly dry with a touch of dark caramel sweetness, earthyness keeps it dry, light lasting bitter finish,

Aroma: 6/10; Appearance: 7/10; Flavor: 7/10; Palate: 6/10; Overall: 11/20
Rating: 3.1/5.0
Drinkability: 7/10
Score: **/4

500ml Bottle. Poured a dark brown with reddish edges and a large sized off white head. Aromas of chocolate, caramel, a little earthy, and light roast. Tastes of cocoa, caramel, roast, and light coffee. Thinner body.