 Fin (2179), Merton, Oxfordshire, England
Jan 1, 2008
Bottle, courtsey of Craig aka cgarvieuk (cheers Craig) had this on the 31-12-07 The top prised off satisfyingly to the accompaniment of the dim and distant rolling and crackle of thunder and streaks of lightning. The drink poured the colour of black treacle with a small beige head, and as I lift it to my lips once again a fury of thunderous claps swirls around. An infuriated Thor was riding his chariot across the storm clouds that were gathered menacingly across Otmoor and wielding his mighty hammer mjollnir. Without delay I sipped this brew as streaks of bright white light flashed all around, the aroma was honey, finest cocoa, and dark sticky fruits, the taste was sumptuous, filling, rich and simply stunning, it was like a cadbury’s flake moment, the taste of marshmallows dipped in the finest chocolate and left to drip all over your hand vanilla, figs and dark sugars make up some of the other flavours. The crackles and bangs continue outside, Thor is busy tonight but I sip again, the full range of flavours literally beats my tastebuds into submission, its almost numb with this full flavoured onslaught. I head outside to greet the mighty Thor with my chalice held high, the cracks and flashes continue to surround me, next doors firework display was quite something and more than served it’s purpose not just for them this evening. A truly magical beer!
NoiZe (893), Zeist, Netherlands
Aug 28, 2008 Thnx to caesar for this one. Great gift for my birthday. 2006 version. Dark black colored, pours oily. Very smooth and interesting aroma, some fruits, sweetness, mocca, chocolate and some coffee. The flavor is in one word, unforgettable. Bitterness is smooth, creamy. Dark malts, chocolate, mocca, coffee and a vanilla sweetness with some hints of fruits. Great balanced and complex flavor. Really great.
austone (315), Turku; Pori, Finland
Aug 26, 2008 2006 bottle @ SOPP, Helsinki. Black w/ dark mocca head. Very creamy, buttery nose, strong vanilla, the bourbon ageing really comes through. Syrupy and burned malty flavor, vanilla, little alcohol and loads of bourbon. Surprisingly "light" bodied, not as smooth palate as it probably should be. Very good even this way, but cries out for a better time and place. Definitely not a beer to sample at festivals.
tertons (100), East Providence, Rhode Island, USA
Aug 25, 2008 Thanks to Brad (YGTBSM94). 2006 Vintage. Overpowering aroma on this jet black slightly headed stout. Dominate liquorice taste that provides a slight and sweet balance with the other notes of smoke, roasted barley, bold coffee, and cloying chocolate. Overall this stands out in aroma and apperance, but is with a bigger group when it comes to flavor and overall impression.
Ole_R (1183), Oslo, Norway
Aug 22, 2008 Bottle (vintage ’06) shared with yngwie@The Rover, Göteborg. Pours an opaque near black body, just a shade away from pitch black. A beautiful creamy one-finger espresso head slowly shrinking to thin islands of foam.
The aroma is vinous, powerful and complex, still extremely smooth and mellow . Lots of delicate sweetness from toasted dark malts. Cocoa, dark chocolate, mild coffee is dominating, followed by inviting scents of vanilla, honey, alcohol-soaked dried fruits and some wooden notes.
Big fat body. Mouthfeel is oily and smooth as velvet.
Very tasty, and as complex as it gets. Refined dark malts with a delightful sweetness in charge. Accompanied by oak and vanilla, coffee and chocolate, figs and raisins. A mild and gentle bitterness underneath. A barely noticable alcohol heath in the mouth. Some distant notes of rum, licorice, almonds and roast. The finish lingers forever. This beer is no hype, it’s divine! Does beer get better than this?
yngwie (3454), Kristiansand, Norway
Aug 22, 2008 Bottle, at the Rover, Gothenburg. (2006 vintage, 10%) Served in a Triple Karmeliet glass, which proved to be a nice choice from the barman. There’s just nothing to complain about regarding the appearance of the beer. It’s jet black, with a creamy, tan head. The aroma is smooth as hell, with lots of mocha doing a good deal of the job, but has company of a sweetish vanilla and marzipan scent. The alcohol can be detected, but is very weak. In the mouth, it’s very sweet in a good way, with flavors of mocha, some vanilla and a hint of alcohol and dried fruits. It’s very low on bitterness, and also on hops, but it’s just delightful. Sort of leaves me lost for words. (080710)
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