snuffla (96), Chch, New Zealand
| 3.6 | Aroma | Appearance | Flavor | Palate | Overall | | 7/10 | 4/5 | 7/10 | 4/5 | 14/20 | Nov 12, 2009 Pours and unctous dark brwon, nearly black with a white foamy head. Aroma I picked up lots of dark coffee and caramel with hints of dark fruit, maybe plums. Not as hoppy as I recalled PKB 2008 to be. Lots of roasted malty goodness and chocolate complexity flavourwise. Lovely creamy mouthfeel. Now all i need to do is build a time machine so I can go back and taste the original again for compare and contrast based fun. SorenE (112), , New Zealand
| 4 | Aroma | Appearance | Flavor | Palate | Overall | | 7/10 | 4/5 | 8/10 | 4/5 | 17/20 | Sep 29, 2009 on tap at Beervana. It has been a while and I didn’t write any notes but I recall this being really good. Roasty, bready notes and big citrusy hoppiness balanced perfectly. I recall ithaving some savoury qualities, reminding me of liqorice, especially the aroma. Really good stuff! presario (2956), Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| 4.1 | Aroma | Appearance | Flavor | Palate | Overall | | 8/10 | 4/5 | 8/10 | 4/5 | 17/20 | Sep 14, 2009 Duffman had this bottled at the brewery and then snail mailed to Canada. He said to drink it quick. I was nervous at a very small sound as I popped the cap but very happy when I got a thick heavy light brown head on a very dark beer. Dark black roasted nose, cofee and very dark chocolate and a hint of sourness I only link to "orange" because of the description. That first sip makes you want more! Thick body with a bit of an oily residue. Lots of chocolate. I notice the hops but do not find them overly strong; tasty but not attention seeking for my hop loving palate. Enjoyable long lasting aftertaste; citrus and bitter chocolate. Glad I’m drinking this alone ’cause I don’t want to share! DonBirnam (69), Wellington, New Zealand
| 4.1 | Aroma | Appearance | Flavor | Palate | Overall | | 6/10 | 3/5 | 9/10 | 5/5 | 18/20 | Aug 2, 2009 Handpull at the Malthouse on Launch night. Pours very dark with brown tinge. Very complex. Hoppy bitterness followed by toasty malt with a big dry finish. Adjectives fail me. denimglen (8), Auckland, New Zealand does not count | 4.1 | Aroma | Appearance | Flavor | Palate | Overall | | 8/10 | 4/5 | 8/10 | 4/5 | 17/20 | Jul 28, 2009 Earthy hop aroma with a little spicy-ness. Initial sweetness, followed by some citrus and spicy hop, with a firmly roasty and bitter finish. Staunch flavours but balanced well with nothing OTT. DuffMan (2751), the land of bitumen, beef & beer, Alberta, Canada
| 4.1 | Aroma | Appearance | Flavor | Palate | Overall | | 8/10 | 4/5 | 8/10 | 4/5 | 17/20 | Jul 18, 2009 Currently one of two guest taps at Invercargill Brewery (the other being Tuatara IPA). I ave been really excited to try this beer, and in my minds eye I’ve envisioned a New Zealand version of Black Toque (which I love). This pours a near-black with a rocky tan head. Equally present in the aroma are rich dark chocolate, maybe some coffeeish char, and full-on spicy citrus oil hops. The palate delivers the same in generous portions and in perfect balance. Very malty, very hoppy, and very very good. Rich smooth mouthfeel. Wow this is a tasty brew! I wish I could bring some of this back to Canada when we go. bozoNZ (486), Christchurch, New Zealand
| 3.8 | Aroma | Appearance | Flavor | Palate | Overall | | 7/10 | 4/5 | 8/10 | 4/5 | 15/20 | Jul 15, 2009 Richer mouthfeel and a better balance than last year. Chocolate to the fore, a light peppery nose. Orange pith and styrian character to finish, leaves your mouth feeling like a dusty antique shop. Well done chaps donfardz64 (419), Wellington, New Zealand
| 3.9 | Aroma | Appearance | Flavor | Palate | Overall | | 8/10 | 3/5 | 9/10 | 4/5 | 15/20 | Jul 11, 2009 Handpull (proper like, from a bag) at the Malthouse on launch night.
Pours black, brown edges. A bubbly tan head.
Aroma is full of fruity, resinous hops. Hard to get much in a crowded bar, but suffice to say it smells great.
The flavour is all about the bitterness. A massive cloying bitterness hits the tongue with resiny hops, which is offset by chocolaty coffee roast malt. Hops are so fresh and strong that they verge on peppery.
A very warming beer, perfect for winter. The finish is massive and lasts for ages. Very dry finishing due to the huge hops.
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