Updating since I recently had D&T at an abbey event by brewer Brian Hunt. I was struck more by the compact balance. This beer is a happy conundrum: it initially looks opaque black but when backlit shows itself ruddy with much clarity. Even with the thick palate (see below), this brew is light-bodied and moderate in alcohol. On tap at Hopmonk Tavern, CA: Death and Taxes is a coal black beer with a whipping cream mocha head. Vienna roast coffee aroma persists in flavor-- with mild licorice, bittersweet cocoa and pistachio notes. High effervescence and good lacing yet not super-carbonated. Low acid hop pull hovers in long dry-malt espresso finish.

This is a huge beer, tried on a lark on tap at Amnesia SF. The aroma hit and immediately rang 9-plus. Tobacco, roasty malts, burnt paper, like a pencil burning in a speeding pencil sharpener. The color is black as pitch. Dry light body with Mom’s Folger’s coffee flavors, minerals, and well integrated bitter. A very smooth, easy roast (near smoke) finish. Would be excellent late night with a cigar. This is a great beer!

Deep dark color and dark flavors like espresso and cocoa. Perfect sweetness and strength. Delightful.

On tap at The Red in Santa Cruz. Black with tan head, opaque. Good retention and lacing. Smell is very appealing; roasted malt brings cocoa, dark chocolate, coffee bean aromas. Absolutely delicious, this beer tastes like a chocolate covered coffee bean. Hints of vanilla, slight hop bitterness, smoke. Excellent balance, flavors meld very seamlessly. Perfect carbonation, full body, low alcohol all contribute to a superb mouthfeel. Forget all day, I could drink this all week!

This was one yummy beer. I had no idea it was a lager until after I had finsished the beer. Tasted more like a silky smooth porter with a very nice roasted taste.