 dogfishho (172), Bloomfield, New Jersey, USA
Jan 7, 2008 This beer poured dark as night and very thick and oily. As it went into the pint glasses that we took out, it seemed to be visibly slow coming out of the wax-topped bottle. A cola color head that rose and fell quickly gave off roasty aromas and hints of dark chocolate and oak. The first sips were quite surprising. For a 12%ABV stout that had such a roasty, woody aroma, I would never have expected the decadent smoothness that was exhibited in this beer. Also surprising was that the chocolate notes came through stronger on the palate than the bitterness, which was subtly present and nicely balanced. There was also a strong coffee note that was complex in that it provided the bitterness while also adding to the creaminess with a cafe au lait-type note. The mouthfeel was heaven. As it warmed up, it certainly got better all the way up to nearly room temperature (in a room with 20+ people and a fire going in the fireplace!). Absent was any hop profile or astringency from the roasted malts. This was a purely balanced, delicious beer that had a much softer edge than its reputation would have you believe. It was truly an excellent experience and it was on made all the more special, sharing it with an old friend. Good to see you, Jason!
iamandrewgill (12), Chicago, Illinois, USA
Jan 6, 2008 I had the 2007 version. It was thick and oily with no head and no lacing. Strong coffee and chocolate flavors with a good amount of sweetness/fruitiness.
undsioux7 (553), Cologne, Minnesota, USA
Jan 5, 2008 Updated: Jan 6, 2008Take equal parts coffee grounds, bitter chocolate, grapefruit, orange, burnt oatmeal, put them in a oil can, shake it up, pop the top with one of those spout things and pour into a goblet and enjoy.
grimreeser (795), Minnesota, USA
Jan 5, 2008 Pours black with a good sized dark tan head. Aroma of coffee, chocolate, and molasses, alcohol as well. Nice flavor, a bit of hoppiness comes through. Too much coffee for me. OG rocks.
Tejas (693), Dallas, Texas, USA
Jan 2, 2008 ’05 version. Was expecting a lot fuller body. I thought it was sort of thin. Boozy flavor. Cherry flavor too. Surprised that there’s not more roastiness in this one. I don’t get the hype on this one. Would love to try it again though to see if I’m mistaken.
mar (1740), Rowlett, Texas, USA
Jan 2, 2008 Updated: Apr 22, 2008Lumpfest 2008 - another beer i did not plan on seeing at my first tasting. angels share and an ’05 dark lord in one sitting. black pour with a nice espresso colored head. loads of roasted malts, syrup and chocolate on the nose. delicious flavor of chocolate and coffee. i want more.
jdjuice (203), Japan
Jan 1, 2008 07 bottle on New Years. Thanks Tom! Eclipses the Nogne Imperial Stout that I tasted earlier that night in thickness and darkness. It’s the consistency of chocolate syrup. Crazy! Coffee was the most prominent flavor, from the coffee roastiness to the coffee bitterness. Extremely deep beer, and warmed up very nicely. Sad the distribution is so low...
chicagodri (1021), Chicago, Illinois, USA
Jan 1, 2008 I probably won’t be the only one having this as their first rating of the year. 2007 batch, and the beer is amazing. Pours like motor oil and has a thin brown head. Great aroma, smells sweat with hints of coffee and chocolate. Great flavor and it seems very smooth for a beer with 13%. Worth the great ratings. I am going to DLD 2008, even though I somehow got sunburnt last year waiting in line.
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