Doppelganger (1353), Dry County, Arkansas, USA Oct 28, 2007 Bottle from henrikb--many thanks! Sipped this one with Traci, Fin and Loz, at our stout tasting. Murky black/brown pour, rough tan head coats the surface for a moment and then retreats into the fumes. And what fumes they are. Licorice, blue cheese, maduro tobacco. A surprisingly soft combination, and while there is some indication of the strength, this is by no means an aggressive or rough smelling beer. Flavor runs strongly to dark rich fruit: plums, caramelized raisins. Sour chocolate notes, rum, lovely mouth drying tannins that elegantly check the thick sweetness. A beer so full of flavor that sipping it by the teaspoon would still be utterly satisfying. Thanks again Henrik for a chance to try this! Ernest (4481), Boulder, Colorado, USA Oct 26, 2007 500 mL bottle. Head is initially small, frothy, brown, fully diminishing. Body is opaque black (flashlight tested). Aroma is moderately to heavily malty (chocolate, caramel, roasted grain, coffee), with notes of vanilla, juniper, alcohol, earth, currant. Flavor is heavily sweet, lightly bitter, lightly acidic. Finish is moderately sweet, lightly acidic, moderately bitter. Medium to full body, creamy texture, soft carbonation, moderately alcoholic. Yeah, it’s that good. As some people have told me, it’s reminiscent of Bells Expedition (or DFHWWS on a good day). Elegant despite its size, and very rich. An Imperial that doesn’t clobber you, but doesn’t lack muscle either. Expedition is about as good, and cheaper in this country, though, so this is admittedly a tough sell due to the very high price tag ($21 or so in CO). But rest assured, it’s not a $40 drain pour like Baladin Xyauyu, and a single bottle can last you two nights. Worth trying without question, but for stocking up on? Too pricey for me. mgumby10 (1844), Jupiter, Florida, USA Oct 25, 2007 Courtesy dsnowden. Thanks for sharing Cheeseman as always!! Pours pitch black, with a bubbly light tan head. Really rich looking. So far so good. Smells of big, rich chocolate, stinging alcohol notes, and dark malts and mild roast were noticeable as well. The mouthfeel was full, rich, and insanely intense. The alcohol seemed to pound away relentlessly the entire way through. The chocolate and dark malts were the most profound flavors, but the intensity of this beer was almost mind-numbing. The palate was incredible, andthe flavor was damn good as well. One of the more intense beers Ive tried and it did not disappoint. Thanks again Dan!! ElTequila (1), Drobak, Norway does not count Oct 25, 2007 A strong, wonderful, tasty beer. The typical Nogne O flavour and the exciting after taste does this to an unique travel. Of course the cofee must be of Columbian origin with its roasted bitterness. Sadly it sold out very fast, So let’s hope for a second edition very soon. An ale for special occations. It just made my day! mcbackus (724), Merritt Island, Florida, USA Oct 24, 2007 bottle thanks to dsnowden: pours a very dark chocolate black with no head, but a bubbly line of tan around the edge. aroam is intense of esspresso, and roasted chocolate. a fantastic aroam of something i just cant figure out, possibly a vanilla bourbon, and fruit. this aroam comes right at you. flavour is very thick and comes at you also with some alcohol bourbon like, roasted esspresso ans some chocolate. pretty intense. and would like to revisit after it sits for a while, but very enjoyable. kkearn (993), Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA Oct 24, 2007 500mL Bottle, #2216, from Capone’s (Norristown, PA). Poured deep black, with a moderate sized brown head. Sweet malt aroma, with chocolate, liquorice, vanilla and strong alcohol. Big roasted malt flavor, with notes of chocolate, herbs, brandy, prunes, and other dried fruits. Coffee was not as strong as I expected. Smooth body; little carbonation. Long finish, mostly sweet malt with some bittersweet chocolate. Tasty, but I think this may benefit from some time in the cellar. moejuck (1165), Ohio, USA Oct 23, 2007 Shared by sliffy. Black body with a medium brown head. The aroma is coffee, vanilla, and definite alcohol. The palate is full and thick--oily as well. Taste follows the nose with definite roasted coffee flavors in the forefront. Alcohol definitely makes itself known in the flavor as well--but doesn’t detract from the taste. Really big, enjoyable stout. bitbucket (2024), Kirkland, Washington, USA Oct 22, 2007 500. Thanks, after4ever! Pours opaque black with a thin tan head. Sweet aroma of vanilla, alcohol, chocolate, coffee. I could tell immediately the the ABV was in double digits. Sweet, chewy full body and light carbonation. The taste has the same vanilla, alcohol, chocolate, coffee as the nose. Coffee pine finish. This is a great one to sip.
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