On draught at the brewpub, 5/21/2005 with Muzzlehatch. Fully opaque, coal black with some deep auburn-mahogany tinges on the edges, small off-white head quickly recedes to nothing. Little to no lacing, though there is slight coating. Smells very spicy, anise, plant roots, ginger, treacle, chocolate, definitely molasses. Flavor is more of the same, with a chewy molasses flavor, light roasted barley influences, semi-sweet chocolate, dry spices (anise, roots, vanilla) and a fudge and caramel finish. Bit of earthy yeast notes. As Barry says, this one reminded me much of Anchor OSA’s 2001 and 2002 version. Not quite as chalky and full as those, but still nice and thick with plenty of complexity. Does get slightly watery on the end, but the flavor does not thin. Low carbonation in all their beers, slick texture, lightly chewy mouthfeel at the start. This brewer certainly nailed the balance and malt extraction, just needs to get a little bit less wateriness.

Draught pint at the brewpub sampled with the Sultan of Sour, ClarkVV. Opaque molasses with little head...roasty, chocolate-anise spicy nose, quite rich...spicy-sweet intriguing body involving cinnamon, nutmeg and subdued cocoa attractions at the front, cola and tree bark characteristics to close, fairly full early but a bit thin at the finish...this is rather like Anchor Our Special Ale, and is certainly a pleasant surprise from a brewpub that looked so unpromising from the road...