[At GABF 2004] A black beer with a disappearing brown head. The aroma is light, but contains notes of chocolate and coffee. The flavor is sweet with primary notes of chocolate, leading to a dry roasted end.

<b>Date:</b> 03/01/2006<br /> <b>Mode:</b> Bottle<br /> <b>Source:</b> Tasting<br /> <br /> jet black, scant beige head, sweet roasted aroma with a nice dose of chocolate, sweet alcoholic chocolate and roasted flavor, touch of licorish, dark chocolate finish<br /> <br /> <b>Aroma:</b> 7/10; <b>Appearance:</b> 7/10; <b>Flavor:</b> 8/10; <b>Palate:</b> 6/10; <b>Overall:</b> 16/20<br /> <b>Rating:</b> 3.8/5.0<br /><b>Drinkability:</b> 6/10<br /> <b>Score:</b> **4<br />

22oz bottle share courtesy of dickinsonbeer &#40;thanks for crossing one off my want list!&#41;. Poured a dark black color with an averaged sized brownish head. Aromas of cocoa, lightly nutty, roast, and some dark fruits. Tastes of dark fruits, chocolate, caramel, vanilla, and light coffee in the finish. Thinner body. Alcohol content completely hidden.

Rerate from 2005 bottle: Pours an opaque black with dark brown edges and a light brown head. Sweet toasty caramel and roasted malt aroma has some gingerbread cookie character and a touch of dark fruits. Body starts with a sweet sticky dark caramel and dark chocolate flavor amid a drier, mildly earthy lingering bitter roasted dark chocolate finish. Body thins some toward the finish, but is otherwise pretty full. <br /><br /> GABF 2004: Completely opaque with a light brown head. Aroma reminds me a lot of Samuel Smiths Imperial, but without the chocolate smoothness. Body has a nice malty sweetness and some dark fruit flavor, but not very much complexity and could hide its alcohol better. Otherwise, an enjoyable imperial stout.

Bottle compliments of Indiana Red: Dark black, tan head, nice lacing. Nose of alcohol, astringent roast and light vegetal notes and some sharp coffee and bitter chocolate. The flavor is mild, light body and some clean roast. Finishes light with some soy, vanilla and alcohol.