RoJoNo (14), Ohio, USA Jul 15, 2008 1/2 pint from tap at Bodega; pleasant aroma, solid flavor, strong bitter aftertaste on first sip, fades with subsequent sips; I’m a stout fan, and this was a treat
kp (6300), Woodstock, Georgia, USA Oct 12, 2008 Date: 08/23/2008
Mode: Bottle
Source: South Bay Drugs, San Diego
Appearance: black, fine tan head, drippy sudsy lace,
Aroma: dark chocolate aroma with a touch of sweetness, just a hint of fruityness,
Body: creamy body,
Flavor: rich chocolate flavor, touch of roasted, creamy milky sweetness balances the bitterness from the roasted and dark chocolate to bring out a milky chocolate,
Aroma: 7/10; Appearance: 8/10; Flavor: 7/10; Palate: 8/10; Overall: 15/20
Rating: 3.7/5.0 Drinkability: 8/10
Score: ***/4
SilkTork (3941), Rochester, Kent, England Oct 10, 2008 GBBF, Trade Day, 2008 Gravity cask. Smooth, tasty, easy drinking and sweet. American hops and American cookie dough. Very tasty and enjoyable. NobleSquirrel (686), Chicago, Illinois, USA Oct 9, 2008 Bottle from Discount in Milwaukee. First off, pour is black and thick, dark brown head that eventually goes away. Nose is strongly chocolate and Nutella, a little bit of fusel alcohol as well. This, to me, blows Stone RIS out of the water. Taste is much roastier and rich, very dry and distinct bitterness. If this had another 6mths on it, it would be perfect. As it stands, a bit alcoholic and boozy. There is some burnt cherries in the finish. Very damn fine beer, wish I had more to lay down... gunsho (134), Louisville, Kentucky, USA Oct 9, 2008 this beer cascades slowly into a glass like an espresso mixed with molasses, thick like oil - almost gurgling. it is of the darkest shade of brown with a thin hazelnut colored head. it is smooth and rich, with a finish of dark cherries, bulgar, and cacoa. fundamentally strong and classic in its endeavor, truly delicious, far from revolutionary. Strykzone (1019), Wood River, Illinois, USA Oct 9, 2008 Pours so rich and thick. It looks like the oil from my last oil change. Almost black with some red and a dark tan head that disappears quickly. Aroma is not pronounced but offers coffee, chocolate, and must. Flavor is also somewhat muted and has plenty of alcohol. Also noted are dark chocolate, ok, even bitter dark chocolate. Some vanilla and oatmeal add nice texture. Some chocolate milkshake. The balance here is bitter and sweet with both showing nicely. Hops are buried so deeply they are barely noticed. This beer warms so nicely. It feels thicker and smoother with temperature. Almost like it should be eaten with a spoon. This might be the longest rating I have ever written but there is just so much to say about this beer.
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