A pitch black beer with a fine brown head. The aroma is roasted with notes of chocolate. The flavor is smooth with notes of roasted malt and bread as well ad chocolate.

(Bottle 33 cl) Pours black and completely opaque with a creamy, light brown head. Vinous, lightly tart nose. Lovely, lightly sour, vinous flavours - actually this reminds me of a very good Flemish Sour. A very sophisticated and refined brew. 270106

Close to pitch. Malty aroma - toffee, wood, molasses and Highland whisky. Rich malt flavours of molasses and earth, melded seamlessly with light peat and whisky notes. Finish is sweet, almost cloying, though there is also tartness there. For a barrel-aged beer, this is quite balanced. I had Calva Reserva last month and though they've both spent six months in their respective casks, there is a tremendous difference in balance. Just one more reason why Harviestoun is one of the top British breweries, I guess.

Bottle. Dark brown coloured with a beige head. Aroma of dried fruits with notes of wood and sherry. Flavour of dried fruits with notes of fruits and sherry.

<b>Date:</b> 09/08/2007<br /> <b>Mode:</b> Bottle<br /> <b>Source:</b> Tasting, Cellar Party<br /> <br /> <b>Appearance:</b> black, wispy tan head, bits of lace, <br /> <b>Aroma:</b> sweet dark chocolate and roasted aroma with hints of dark fruits, <br /> <b>Body:</b> big body, <br /> <b>Flavor:</b> sweet dark chocolate flavor, nice fruity character, balanced by roasted malts and earthy hops, light touch of smoke melds with a woody character, <br /> --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br /> <b>Date:</b> 02/23/2008<br /> <b>Mode:</b> bottle<br /> <b>Source:</b> cellar tasting<br /> <br /> touch of a sour mash character balances really well with the chocolate and caramel sweetness, <br /> <br /> <b>Aroma:</b> 7/10; <b>Appearance:</b> 7/10; <b>Flavor:</b> 7/10; <b>Palate:</b> 7/10; <b>Overall:</b> 15/20<br /> <b>Rating:</b> 3.7/5.0<br /><b>Drinkability:</b> 7/10<br /> <b>Score:</b> **4<br />