<b>Date:</b> 08/02/2006<br /> <b>Mode:</b> Bottle<br /> <b>Source:</b> Tasting<br /> <br /> slow gusher, slightly hazy brown, huge creamy head, nice lace, big dry chocolate aroma, rich chocolate flavor, very dry, hop bitterness is pronounced because of the dryness, <br /> <br /> <b>Aroma:</b> 6/10; <b>Appearance:</b> 6/10; <b>Flavor:</b> 6/10; <b>Palate:</b> 5/10; <b>Overall:</b> 11/20<br /> <b>Rating:</b> 2.9/5.0<br /><b>Drinkability:</b> 6/10<br /> <b>Score:</b> *4<br />

Hugely fizzy cloudy bright medium brown pour that glows a bit and hesitates to offer reddish tinges. The head is constantly fed by the vigorous carbonation and stays there forever. Quite rich nose with belgianesque yeastiness. Under the caramel maltiness lie a bed of raisins, plums, bananas, powdered chocolate and nuts. Quite attenuated and gently sour though it does not feel like an infection. You would not expect that acidity from the nose, but you easily accept it and feel some vague coherence with the nutty and fruity constant flavours. Rather dry in mouth. Fun. I would certainly have guessed this brew to clock more than 5.5%. It is quite complex and very interesting.

Sampled from 750ml bottle. Poured a deep and cloudy orange color with an averaged sized white head. Aromas of smoke, nuts, and those hard toffee candy. Tastes of pretty much the same - smoky, nutty with some chocolate and toffee.

Sampled on 8/2/06: Pours a slightly hazy copper brown with a large over-carbonated, frothy, clumpy-lacing off-white head. Aroma of muddy earthy dark caramel malts and dryer maple toffee. Body starts airy and dry with some earthy chocolate roasty notes and a touch of grassy hops and bready yeast. A unique brew, but over-attenuated.

RBSG 07 Minneapolis Grand Tasting: Nice caramel color, nice head and light lacing. Nose of dust and caramel, some toasty popcorn and rich tar. Chemically astringent dark ale with an odd malty finish. Ok.